Fire crews finally leave huge blaze at Shropshire barn

Firefighters left the scene of the blaze at Wall Farm in Kynnersley, near Telford, yesterday afternoon after dampening down and ensuring the fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon, was completely out.

But deliberate arson has been ruled out, said fire investigator Guy Williams of Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service.

"We have had crews monitoring the fire since it started and we have been dampening it down and letting it burn out," he said.

"We had to stay to make sure it did not spread to any other parts of the barn or the neighbouring brick buildings.

"Thankfully we were called to it as soon as it was spotted and we were able to save the wings of the barn, which means the farmer will have space to shelter his animals over the winter.

"We have to praise the crews for that."

Mr Williams said that a single crew was on the scene yesterday when the blaze was officially deemed over, a reduction of the three engines present on Wednesday.

Cows in the barn were moved to safety before the fire took hold of the barn, which contained hay and straw.

The roof contains asbestos and fire crews closed roads over fears of public safety whilst witnesses reported seeing huge flames from several miles away.

Mr Williams said that although investigations were ongoing, it had been ruled that the blaze was an accident and that deliberate arson had been ruled out.

Farmers Neil and Stephanie Dobson, who have lived and worked at the site for more than 40 years, said that they were relieved no-one was hurt and their cattle were safe.

The central part of the barn has been severely damaged and a large quantity of the 2,000 cubic metres of straw was destroyed.