Fire investigators were today trying to find out what caused 30 tonnes of hay to go up in smoke.
A barn in Windermere Road, Thundersley, was completely destroyed by the blaze.
Two engines were originally called to the barn yesterday afternoon but so many people rang the fire brigade that a third pump was called from Rayleigh.
The fire also damaged neighbouring workshop and stables by the barn.
Firemen stayed throughout the night damping down the area. Hadleigh sub-officer Tony Devenish said: "The barn was destroyed.
"We are now looking for a cause to this. We will be considering every possibility. At the time of the call, there was worry about the horses in the stables next door but there were no human or animal casualties."
Up in smoke - firemen damp down the barn fire at Thundersley
Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
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