Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue (MAWWFRS) stated a number of crews from different stations have attended a large barn fire in Brecon.
Crews from the Brecon, Talgarth, Crickhowell, Builth Wells, and Llandrindod Fire Stations attended the blaze, which was reported at 7:51p.m on Sunday, August 10 in Libanus.
The crews were also supported by a unit from the South Wales Fire and Rescue service.
The single story barn which went up in flames measured approximately 45m by 20m, and contained 29t of straw bales as well as small farm equipment.
MAWWFRS said the straw was removed from the barn and moved to an adjacent field.
The responding crews used six hose reel jets, four pumps, one rural response pump and two water bowsers in an effort to extinguish the blaze.
Despite dampening down hotspots, MAWWFRS said the barn was severely damaged by the fire by the time they left the scene at 12:21a.m on Monday morning (August 11).
Bale temperature testing
Following the blaze, MAWWFRS reminded farmers to avail of the free temperature and moisture content test for bales offered by the fire department.
The department said that the test evaluates the risk of combustion based on readings received, which can help farmers plan around safe storage practices, as well as a variety of other ways to keep both farmers and farms safe from fires.
The station also advised farmers to ensure their fire risk assessment is up to date in case of emergencies such as this.
MAWWFRS said that around 40% of fires like this barn fire are started deliberately, many as an act of mindless vandalism, meaning farmers must have plans in place despite proper risk assessment.
The station explained how a serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business.
Baler fire
In a separate incident, a baler went up in flames in Charlton Adam, Somerset last Friday (August 8).
Somerton Fire Station were called to the incident with assistance from Yeovil and Martock fire stations.
Somerton Station stated that, after the fire started, the farmer towed the baler onto hard standing ground where he detached it in a bid to save the crop from the blaze.
However, despite his efforts, Somerton Station confirmed that unfortunately this did not prevent the blaze spreading to the field.
This meant that upon arrival, the crew were faced with two separate fires, and required an additional pump from the Martock station.
Somerton Station stated that the blaze on the baler was tackled first due to its close proximity to farm buildings.
Once the baler was extinguished with the use of a hose reel jet, the crew turned their focus to the field where two more hose reel jets were used.
The department also stated a caution had to be put in place on a nearby railway line due to its proximity to the fire.
Both blazes were extinguished safely without any further escalation, according to Somerton Fire Station.
