MULTIPLE fire crews responded to a barn fire in the Ellesmere area on Friday, with fire chiefs again warning the farming community to be mindful of such incidents.

The incident happened at a barn in Lyneal at around 5.30pm on Friday (July 7).

“Unfortunately we are at yet another large barn fire at Lyneal, Ellesmere,” said the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service on its Twitter page.

“We have multiple crews and officers in attendance. We ask the farming community to please read our farm fire safety info as it may help prevent damage to farm buildings, stock and crops.”

The service has produced a safety booklet for farmers due to the increase in fires attended by firefighters in rural areas.

“The number of farm related fires remains high within Shropshire and the effects can be devastating, resulting in the loss of machinery, hay and straw, livestock and the destruction of buildings and vehicles,” says the service in its ‘Farm Fire Safety’ booklet.

“81 per cent of Shropshire land area is designated to agricultural production compared to 68 per cent nationally.

“There are over 3,500 commercial holdings and more than 9,500 workers within this business sector.

“Between 2018-2021, the Shropshire region saw a 63 per cent increase in agricultural vehicle and machinery fires.

“Don’t let your farm become a statistic. You can prevent these fires following our advice. All farms are at risk.

“A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business. 40 per cent of businesses that suffer a serious fire never trade successfully again.”