Large barn fire in Leavenheath brought under control

Firefighters are allowing a fire at a Leavenheath barn containing 200 tonnes of hay to burn itself out safely, after the blaze was brought under control.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called out at approximately 5.31am this morning, following reports that a barn, which housed a mixture of hay and farming machinery, had caught alight in Cock Street.

Crews from both Suffolk and Essex attended the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control, to ensure it did not spread to any neighbouring buildings.

Kevin Oxford, Suffolk Fire station commander, said: "Upon arrival, the barn was well alight and at risk of spreading to an adjoining workshop.

"With the assistance of the farmer, we were able to make a break between the barn and the workshop.

"The crews have been on scene all day and are watching to ensure there is no spread to any adjoining tree lines. This will likely go on into the evening."

Mr Oxford explained that now the spreading risk had been eliminated, they would enable to fire to burn under a controlled setting, up to the point when the flames are weak enough to be fully extinguished.

He added that the cause of the blaze is not being treated as suspicious.

A total of 16 fire appliances attended throughout the day, including vehicles from Sudbury, Long Melford, Hadleigh and Nayland.