Livestock safe as fire crews tackle huge barn blaze
DRAMATIC images have been released of a huge fire that engulfed a barn containing 300 tonnes of straw and hay.
The fire, on Saturday, saw firefighters battle into the night to get the flames under control, while police advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
The blaze engulfed the barn, in Spring Lane, Packington, near Measham, with fire crews from Ashby, Coalville, Swadlincote, Castle Donington, Kibworth, Shepshed, Loughborough, Eastern, Western and Hinckley all called to the scene.
Crews fought the blaze for hours after a member of the public raised the alarm at about 9.15pm.
Farm livestock had to be moved from a nearby barn because there was a danger of the fire spreading to the building.
The blaze was in a barn measuring 50m by 25m and contained 300 tonnes of straw and hay.
The cause has yet to be established.
One fire engine was still at the scene at 8am on Sunday, with firefighters dampening down and checking for hotspots.
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called at 9.17pm by the police to a report of a large barn on fire in Spring Lane, Packington.
“When we arrived the barn was well alight.
“Livestock were moved to a safe place.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been established.”
A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “We received a report at about 9.20pm on Saturday of a large barn on fire.
“We advised residents of Packington to keep doors and windows closed due to drifting smoke.
“No one was injured. No livestock was injured.”