Investigators believe that last night’s barn fire in West Chinnock, which destroyed 150 tonnes of straw, was started deliberately.
The fire follows a string of similar incidents in Somerset and a police call for farmers to be vigilant.
The alarm was raised just after 10.30pm and a spokesperson for the fire and rescue service said that crews from Crewkerne, Chard, Ilminster, Yeovil, Axminster, Martock, Street, Somerton, Castle Cary, Beaminster, and Taunton were despatched to the scene.
The spokesperson added: “Crews got to work immediately, rescuing the cattle and using compressed air foam jets to protect nearby buildings.
“Western Power Distribution was requested to isolate electricity to the buildings involved.”
At 3.30am the incident support unit was required to attend the scene for additional lighting and catering as crews were making steady progress removing hay from the barn using two farm telehandlers, and damping down.
The fire and rescue service spokesperson said this morning: “Fire crews have now left the scene.
“150 tonnes of straw was destroyed by fire.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.”
