11-07-2025
Large fire breaks out across several barns at farm
A "significant" fire has broken out across a number of large barns believed to store horse bedding and farm machinery.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said eight engines were attending the blaze at Cherry Tree Farm in Metfield, south-east of Harleston in Norfolk, after it started at about 01:45 BST.
Group commander Gary Smart said crews were due to remain at the scene for several hours and urged people living nearby to close their windows.
The blaze comes a day after the fire service issued public advice about wildfires, due to the hot conditions.
Mr Smart said: "We believe the site produces horse bedding – a mix of straw and wood shavings.
"It was quite a large developing fire that had potential to spread to the standing crops in the next field."
He added that due to the structural integrity of the buildings, crews had not been able to get inside to remove the burning items.
The fire service said there was limited water supply at the farm, so it had brought in a water carrier as well as specialist aerial appliances.
Mr Smart added the high temperatures had made it tough for his team and companies storing flammable materials.
"It's difficult for business owners as it's very dry and things can ignite easily," he said.
"It's very difficult for the crews. We make sure they're fully hydrated and have rest periods to release some of the heat that builds up in their uniform."
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Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
