MORE than 50 tonnes of straw and agricultural machinery were destroyed  following a fire at a Bradford on Avon farm on Friday morning (May 6). 

Two fire crews apiece came from Trowbridge and Bath, as well as units from Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Corsham tackled the fire at Bearfield Farm, in Ashley Road, shortly after 10.30am.

Billowing smoke that was hundreds of feet high could be seen for miles around the farm and fortunately none of the residents or animals were harmed.

Neil Hiscock, Watch Manager at Trowbridge Fire Station, said 50 tonnes of finished straw caught alight, along with buckets and food for cattle were set alight.

"The situation is now under control and it was under control very quickly," he said.

"The animals were in close proximity but they were unaffected by it all.A galena water wall was used to protect a silage wall and the main end of the building was being protected by a jet hose."

Owner of the farm Andrew Quick, 40, said: "The main thing is that no damage was done to any people or the animals, it was just machine equipment and farm stock.

"The fire crews are doing a fantastic job. They got it under control quickly which was a real relief."

More to follow.