9th November 2011

BEAMINSTER: Investigation underway into barn fire

by Tom Glover

INVESTIGATIONS are underway after the latest in a spate of barn fires destroyed 60 tonnes of hay and a Dutch barn at a farm near Beaminster.

The fire at Kitwhistle Farm near Beaminster, was reported just before 7am on Saturday morning, and was attended by four fire crews at the height of the blaze.

Crews battled the fire for three hours and were left to monitor the scene throughout the day as the hay continued to burn.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but it is the latest in a long line of barn fires to hit the county since April.

A total of 16 barn fires were reported between April 1st and October 18th this year, in comparison to just six in the same period the year before.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service are now issuing a warning to farmers to keep their eyes and ears open for possible arsonists following the significant rise across rural areas of Dorset.

Recent barn fires have been reported across the county from Gillingham and Motcombe in the north to Sydling St Nicholas and Swanage in the south.

Last month crews from Dorchester, Maiden Newton, Bridport and Beaminster dealt with a believed arson attack at a farm in Lower Burton, just outside Dorchester. Approximately 100 tonnes of straw and hay along with the barn and farm machinery was destroyed during this incident.

Service Delivery Manager for Dorset, Group Manager Alun Morgan said: “We are asking farmers and farm workers to keep a close eye out for anything suspicious, especially unusual activity like parked cars or strangers. Dorset Fire and Rescue Service would recommend that security lights are installed and that farmers regularly check their remote outbuildings.

“There is often a pattern leading up to a barn fire, for example small burns in the local area which may have burnt out without the fire service being called. These will be known to locals but not reported to Dorset Fire and Rescue Service.”

If you see something suspicious or persons attempting to light fires call the police immediately on 999 and report this to the fire service and police with as much information as you can give.

If you have any information about the Kitwhistle Farm fire call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.

PICTURED BELOW: Fire crews took three hours to tackle the blaze that destroyed the Dutchbarn