20 firefighters were called to a barn fire in Coed-y-Bryn, Ceredigion, where cattle housed in the barn had to be removed.
The fire occurred yesterday (Wednesday, December 5) at 3.15p.m, and the Newcastle Emlyn, Aberaeron, Llandysul, Tumble and Lampeter fire crews were called to the incident.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the crews responded to a fire within a section of a large barn where one Bobcat machine and 70 bales were also involved.
“The cattle housed in the barn were safely removed and the bales were moved to a nearby field and were left to smoulder,” the service said.
“Crews utilised two breathing apparatus sets, one main jet, two hose reel jets and one otter pump to extinguish the fire.
“After the fire was extinguished, crews proceeded to dampen down inside the barn. Crews left the scene at 7:14p.m, at the height of this incident there were 20 firefighters present.”
Farm fire safety
Following this incident, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued a reminder on farm fire safety and the safe storage of farm equipment and items.
Farms and properties in rural areas can be remote and isolated, which can lead to longer travel distances, longer response times and access issues, it said.
The service wants to work with farmers and landowners to plan ahead by:
- Ensuring their farm fire risk assessment is up-to-date;
- Developing a fire box at the property entrance containing details such as location of water supplies, map land, list of livestock and locations of hazardous materials;
- Avoid storing flammable materials with vehicles or livestock;
- Considering whether a fire appliance can reach all areas of their property. A standard appliance can weigh more than 12t so pits and cattle grids can be an issue, the service said.
