Large fire engulfs Cumbria farm

Dramatic pictures have captured the moment firefighters in Cumbria tackled a large hay blaze which threatened to engulf a barn housing 40 ewes.

The fire broke out on the farm in Mockerkin on Sunday afternoon (10 May), but firefighters from Cockermouth and Frizington fire stations managed to extinguish it quickly.

Fire fighters putting out fire

© Cockermouth Fire Station

The fire started between two farm buildings and spread to nearby tyres which put the ewes in danger, but the team used hose reel jets and compressed air foam to extinguish it.

See also: Why on-farm water supply is critical to contain fires

Cockermouth Fire Station tweeted: “[Cockermouth and Frizington crews] were mobilised to Mockerkin to extinguish a large hay blaze in between farm buildings which had spread to nearby tyres threatening 40 ewes in the barn nearby. The blaze was quickly extinguished using hose reels jets and CAFs”

Fire fighters hose water

© Cockermouth Fire Station

NFU advice to prevent farm fires

  • Remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting
  • Store bales separately from buildings, machinery and chemicals
  • Make stacks a reasonable size, and space them at least 10m apart
  • Keep petrol, diesel and other fuels (including gas cylinders) stored in secure areas
  • Keep fertilisers and pesticides under lock and key
  • Dispose of refuse safely on a regular basis
  • Ensure fences and gates are in good condition and check them regularly
  • Install intruder sensors and security lighting
  • Prepare a fire routine and action plan and make sure all farm workers know what to do
  • If a fire breaks out, call the fire and rescue service without delay