Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is tackling a serious barn fire in Cleobury Mortimer this morning (Wednesday 4th October).
The Service was called at 4.42am to reports that a large barn around 160ft by 40ft was on fire and several crews attended including Bishops Castle, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, Much Wenlock, Newport, Telford and Tweedale.
Firefighters used main jets and hose reel jets to tackle but unfortunately approximately 17 animals died during the blaze. The Service will continue to support the farm owner during this sad time.
Crews are still dealing with the incident and although operations have been scaled down, we expect to be there for some time. There is still a considerable amount of hay on fire causing a smoke plume which is travelling across the fields.
A fire investigation has been carried out and the fire is believed to have started accidentally and the most likely cause is electrical or self-combustion.
