AROUND 400 tonnes of hay were affected after a barn blaze which saw fire crews from more than 15 stations called to help tackle it.

Crews were called to a barn in Knitson, near Corfe Castle shortly before 2.30pm on Monday to a barn fire.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Picture: Swanage Fire Station

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight, with some dampening down the remains of the blaze on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Knitson, near Corfe Castle, at 2.24pm yesterday for a fire involving a large quantity of hay within a farm building.

“Crews initially attended from Swanage (fire engine and small 4x4 pump), Poole (two fire engines and a water carrier), Westbourne, Hamworthy, Ferndown and Springbourne.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Picture: Swanage Fire Station

“Over the course of yesterday evening and overnight, we have had relief crews attend from Bridport, Christchurch, Wimborne and Dorchester; Bere Regis, Blandford, Maiden Newton and Westbourne; Beaminster and Verwood; and we currently have Christchurch and Hamworthy on scene.

“Approximately 400 tonnes of hay has been affected, about three quarters of this has been moved away from the barn by the farmer using farm machinery, and the remainder remains within the barn, with firefighters continuing to damp down using two main jets.

“The situation will be reviewed this morning to determine when it will be safe to leave site and allow the hay to burn out under the control of the farmer.”

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