In a heroic effort involving firefighters from 14 fire stations, as well as the farmer himself, approximately 1500 beef cattle were rescued and led to safety from a devastating barn fire that engulfed Elmtree Farm in Sellindge, near Ashford, on Thursday night.
The blaze, which broke out in the evening, tore through two barns, both utilized for housing cattle. Witnesses reported that the farmer raced against time to release the bullocks into a nearby field as the flames raged.
The dramatic scenes unfolded as six fire crews converged on the scene to battle the inferno. Astonishing images captured the intensity and destructive force of the fire, with flames billowing from the structures.
Witnesses further recounted that the cattle, having been released from the burning barns, were led away from the danger zone by tractor and trailer. This swift action undoubtedly saved the lives of a substantial number of animals.
As the fire continued to rage well into the night, the glow from the flames could be seen across the village, casting an eerie orange hue in the dark. Video footage and images circulated on social media, illustrating the magnitude of the blaze.
Reports suggested that firefighting crews opted to allow the fire to burn out naturally, refraining from using water to douse the flames. Additionally, it was revealed that a tractor was among the casualties of the fire.
The incident also impacted local traffic, with a portion of the A20 closed to vehicles, specifically between Swan Lane and Bull Lane.
The efforts of the firefighters and the farmer were nothing short of heroic, as they worked tirelessly to prevent further loss and to safeguard the cattle from the devastating fire. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.
