Barn fire near South Brent proves challenge

Just before midnight on Saturday night (October 8) the fire service was called to reports of a barn on fire in the Harbourneford area of South Brent.

Fire engines from Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and Ivybridge were sent together with a water carrier from Plympton.

There they found a large barn, around 25metres x 25 metres, well alight.

The barn was remote. Picture: Ashburton Fire Station (Image: Ashburton Fire Station)

Firefighters also realised that they had been there before - and the knowledge was invaluable.

A spokesperson from Buckfastleigh Fire Station said: "The officer in charge took the decision to deal with the fire in a defensive manner due to previously gained knowledge about the hazards present including large amounts of asbestos and cylinders that were in the building."

The barn sat on top of a large hill which further complicated matters.

The barn was so high hoses had to be laid across the field. Picture: Ashburton Fire Station (Image: Ashburton Fire Station)

The crews had to lay hoses across a field in order to try and create the most direct route to the remote barn.

A portable pump was set up halfway in the field to boost the pressure supplying the pair of fire hoses that were focused on the fire.

A spokesperson for Ashburton said: "The barn, being very remote at the top of a steep grass field, meant that crews had to use many lengths of hose and a light portable pump in the middle to get water to the fire.

"Using Ashburton’s appliance as the main pump Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh and the water bowser started a water relay from the nearest hydrant.

"Crew attacked the fire with two 45mm jets, after a few hours the fire was extinguished."

The barn was destroyed. Picture: Buckfastleigh Fire Station (Image: Buckfastleigh Fire Station)

Crews stayed on the scene until 5am and then returned at 9am to check fr hotspots, before confirming that the fire was out.

The barn was completely destroyed in the fire.