Cumbrian firefighters have tackled an early hours barn blaze.
At around 4am on Friday, crews from Appleby and Shap were called out to a building fire – and on their way there, were alerted to another incident, which Penrith’s crews had been called to.
Shap Fire Station said: “Shap’s appliance could see a smoke plume visible from the direction of the second incident and proceed to this location as a priority due to other information received with Appleby checking the first.
“In attendance we discovered a barn fire containing around 50 tonnes of hay and straw with the whole building well alight.
“It was quickly established that supplying water to the incident ground was going to be difficult given the location and on confirmation that there was no fire at the first location, Appleby’s appliance and Unimog were redirected to assist, with both Penrith appliances.
“The further addition of the water bowser from Maryport was requested along with their support pump.
“The crews were able to remove the hay and straw to a field from the building using farm machinery so a controlled burn and damping down could be carried out.
“Once cleared to the field a neighbouring farmer was kindly able to assist in bringing water to the scene with a tractor and tanker to damp down any hot spots and continued to do so when required the day after. Their help was very much appreciated.”
