Fire crews from across the district battled for over three hours to control a blaze which destroyed a Dutch barn on a Little Bardfield farm at the weekend.

The fire broke out at Frenches Farm in Oxen End, the home of Mac and Joan Beanland for over 30 years, on Saturday afternoon.

Both Richard and David Beanland fought to stop the fire spreading to adjoining buildings, with David suffering minor burns to his arm.

Firefighters from Thaxted, Dunmow, Stansted, Harlow, Newport and Saffron Walden tackled the blaze which engulfed the 25 by 16 metre, asbestos and timber barn which contained 200 tonnes of baled hay.

On Monday Mrs Joan Beanland said: "We are all right and the animals are all right. However, the fire crews were here until Sunday and we are still clearing up.

"David was hurt trying to shut a door to stop the fire spreading to a workshop.

"We don't know what started the fire, but the straw and hay just went up."

During the battle to control the inferno adjoining buildings were thought to be at risk and measures were also taken to ensure the safety of livestock, including birds in a nearby turkey shed.

At the fire's peak six fire crews were working together, bringing the blaze under control by 7.30pm, although the fire burned on into Saturday night.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said that straw presents a special problem by continuing to burn on the inside even when dowsed with water.

"Ultimately, it's a question of controlling it and making sure it doesn't spread," he added.

The blazing hay store at Little Bardfield.

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