Ashford: Cattle moved to safety during large farm fire in Kent

Nearby residents were left without power during the night, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said

A herd of cattle had to be moved to safety during a large fire at a farm in Kent.

The blaze, which engulfed agricultural barns and a large haystack in Main Road, Sellindge, near Ashford, started shortly before 22:00 BST on Wednesday.

Nearby residents were left without power during the night, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said.

One person sustained a minor burn and was checked over by paramedics, they added.

At midday, Neil Jones, from KFRS, confirmed the blaze was "under control".

However, KFRS said crews would remain at the scene due to the fire being mainly comprised of hay.

He added the fire service was working with partner agencies to determine the cause.

KFRS remain at the scene as the hay continues to burn

Sharon Copley, the partner of farmer Alan Down, said it was "just awful" and "unbelievable".

"We're in complete shock," she said. "Everyone here is alright, even the chicken we thought was dead, we found alive and well hiding in a corner this morning and that's all thanks to the firefighters and people that came out to help."

A KFRS spokesman said: "In the early stages of the incident, firefighters worked with the farmer to move a large number of cattle to safety.

"While good progress is being made at the scene, people living nearby are still advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke."

The fire engulfed two open-sided barns and a large haystack, which was about 200m by 10m by 10m in size.

A total of 14 fire engines were initially sent to tackle the blaze. Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier remain at the scene.

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