Firefighters are working through the night to tackle a huge blaze that has ripped through a barn in Cheshire.
The fire broke out at a secluded farm, near Knutsford, on Tuesday afternoon (September 22).
Five fire engines - four from Cheshire and one from Greater Manchester - raced to the scene at Marthall Lane, in Marthall, just after 1pm.
On arrival the crews discovered that the steel-framed barn was well alight.
The 40 x 28 metre building contains a large quantity of hale bales stacked from the ground to the roof space, the fire service said.
At one point a farmer used machinery to move hay bales from the barn as firefighters used hose reels to create “a fire break to protect” other barns nearby.
Crews are expected to remain there for the next few days as they work to tackle the flames.
Dramatic pictures shared by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service show the barn well alight.
Middlewich Fire Station tweeted this evening: “Firefighters remain in attendance at a large Barn Fire in Marthal near Knutsford. Crews will remain in attendance fighting the fire overnight and over the next few days.”
A temporary road closure is in place in both directions of Marshall Lane.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.
Cheshire East Council tweeted: “Marthall Lane is expected to remain closed for most of the night.
“People have been warned to avoid the area.”
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: “We're currently tackling a large barn fire in Knutsford, with five fire engines in attendance. The barn contains a large number of hay bales. A water supply has been set up and extensive efforts are being made to prevent the fire spreading.”
A fire investigator will look into the cause of the fire in due course, they added.
