Firefighters brave huge farm fire to rescue 1,500 cows from double-barn blaze

28 September 2023 , 13:48

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Fire fighters saved hundreds of cows from dying in a huge barn fire (Image: UKNIP)

Heroic firefighters managed to save hundreds of cows from perishing in a fire on a farm in Kent.

Fire crews were joined by the farmer as they rescued the 1,500 cattle caught in the blaze on Wednesday night. Terrifying pictures captured of the operation on Elmtree Farm in Sellindge, near Ashford, showed the fire tearing its way through the farm, engulfing two barns that were both being used to house the cows.

Six fire crews rushed to the scene to battle the inferno before releasing the beef cattle who were then led to safety by tractor and trailer, with the response scaled up to 14 engines at its height. Flames were seen billowing from the barns meanwhile, with the fire so intense it cast an eerie orange glow seen from the nearby village.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service said crew were still working to fully extinguish the blaze on Thursday morning, with a haystack continuing to burn under controlled conditions. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured, although one person was treated by paramedics for a minor burn. The cause of the fire remains unknown, with a probe launched into how it started.

An investigation has been launched into how the fire started (UKNIP)

A spokesperson for the fire service said on Thursday: “Fires of this nature can take some time to be fully extinguished, as sections are pulled away from the pile and dampened down. Therefore, there is likely to be a fire service presence at the scene for days to come.”

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One of the few casualties of the blaze was a tractor that was desecrated by the flames. The incident also impacted local traffic, shutting a section of the A20 dual carriageway.

A full statement released on Thursday morning by the fire service said: “Firefighters remain at the scene of a farm fire in Sellindge, Ashford, involving two barns and a large haystack. Four fire engines and a bulk water carrier are in attendance in Main Road, where crews have worked through the night to tackle the blaze and help move hundreds of cows to safety.

“The fire is under control and firefighters are continuing to dampen down hotspots. Fires of this nature can take some time to be fully extinguished, as sections are pulled away from the pile and dampened down. This can cause smoke to increase and decrease, so people living or working nearby are still advised to keep windows and doors closed.”

Susie Beever