Massive Barn Blaze Lights Up Surrey Skies
Firefighters are battling a huge barn fire visible for miles around near Guildford. Surrey Fire and Rescue were scrambled just before 4pm on Thursday to a farm between Grafham and Bramley.
Haystack Inferno Rages
The fire engulfed a single-storey barn measuring roughly 15 by 20 metres, stuffed with about 60 tonnes of hay. Around 300 large bales went up in flames, sparking a major emergency response.
Fire Crews Mobilised in Force
Thirteen fire crews, including those from Guildford, Godalming, Leatherhead, Woking, and Haslemere, are on scene. Special off-road vehicles with water monitors and a massive 13,000-litre water carrier are helping to douse the blaze.
Surrey Roads Policing shut the A281 near Pepperbox Lane in both directions due to thick smoke blowing across the road, creating hazards for drivers.
Fire Bosses Praise Teamwork
“Crews have done brilliantly controlling the blaze and preventing it spreading to the barn’s structure and a nearby electricity substation,” said Area Commander John Cooper.
He added the farmer’s quick action using his tractor to haul away smoking hay bales helped keep the fire contained.
Firefighters will stay on site overnight, working tirelessly to dampen down hot spots and prevent the fire spreading further. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
