Blazing Barn Infernos in Farnham: Farmer Hails Firefighters’ Heroics
Fire crews from Surrey and Hampshire have battled two massive barn fires stuffed with straw and hay in Farnham all afternoon. The blaze at the private Hampton estate sent flames roaring high enough to be seen from the nearby village of Seale.
Crews Brace for Long Haul
Firefighters expect to remain on site through the weekend, working tirelessly to turn over and soak one of the burning barns. Reinforcements have been called in to tackle the second barn, which houses around 300 tons of straw – a fire-fighter’s nightmare fuel.
Water Shortage Hampers Firefighting Efforts
Efforts to douse the fires have been hampered by a strained water supply. Two water carriers from Leatherhead and Camberley have been drafted in to shuttle water from nearby village hydrants, keeping the pumps running.
Farmer Praises Firefighters’ Bravery
Bill Biddell, manager of the Hampton estate and man who raised the alarm, spoke of the disaster’s impact. “The hay is used to feed our beef cattle on site,” he said. “Despite the blazing heat, the fire crews have been brilliant in their efforts.”
The cause of the fiery outbreak remains under investigation.
