POLICE have issued an alert to all Somerset farmers after a string of deliberate barn fires.
Two of the fires took place in the South Petherton area, and Chief Inspector Mark Edgington, Local Policing Commander for East Somerset, said: “Over the last few weeks there have been several barn fires across Somerset.
“Working with our colleagues at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, investigations have led us to conclude that these have been deliberate acts of arson.
“We take incidents of arson extremely seriously. They have huge financial implications for farmers in addition to the enormous danger they pose to people and livestock.”
Two of the fires under investigation took place on August 14th and 16th in the South Petherton area.
Firefighters were called to a farm on Hawthorne Hill, East Lambrook, just after 11pm on the 14th, and despatched units from Crewkerne, Chard, Ilminster, Yeovil and Martock.
They tackled a fire in a barn which contained one hundred tonnes of hay and straw.
Two days later, just before midnight on the 16th, firefighters were called to Rylands Farm on East Lambrook Road, South Petherton.
Firefighters from stations in Martock, Ilminster, Crewkerne and Yeovil were part of the initial response.
Crews confirmed that a barn was well alight and requested another fire engine, which was sent from Somerton.
An Incident Command Unit was also sent from Street, and police were requested along with ambulance to stand by.
Chief Inspector Edgington said: “We will work with our partners to identify those responsible and they will be dealt with robustly.
“We want to hear from anyone who has any information about these incidents or any other suspected arson.
“You can call us on the 101 number or, alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
“We want to prevent any further fires before someone is seriously hurt.”
Fire Investigation Officer Andy Justice from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service added: “A fire on a farm can be devastating; resulting in the loss of machinery, stores of hay and straw, livestock and the destruction of buildings.
“Every year Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service attend hundreds of fires and emergency incidents on farms and small holdings.
A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well run business.
“Farms are particularly vulnerable to a deliberate fire due to their isolated locations, open boundaries and readily ignitable hay and straw stacks.”
A recent barn fire near Taunton is also being investigated.
