Barn and tractor blaze on Hampshire farm treated as arson
17th December 2024
A fire that destroyed two barns as well as three tractors on a farm near Totton, Hampshire, is being treated as an arson attack.
The incident happened on Thursday, 12th December, at about 9pm on a farm on Marchwood Road in Eling.
More than 500 bales of hay that were stored in the affected barns have been destroyed.
150 cattle housed nearby were moved to a safe location away from the fire, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have confirmed.
Crews from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Totton, Hightown and Romsey were supported by the water carriers from Eastleigh, Ringwood and Fareham, the USAR telehandler vehicle and further support vehicles from SHQ and Beaulieu.
The road was closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles in attendance.
Witnesses to come forward
Relief crews coming from Fordingbridge, Hythe, Burley, Basingstoke, Cosham, Winchester and Lyndhurst arrived later in the night to take over from the firefighters who were first on scene.
The incident was scaled down and remaining firefighters conducted a watching brief, allowing the fire to burn itself out safely.
BBC News has just confirmed that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is treating the incident as an arson attack.
The force said that anyone with information about the fire, which could have started some time between 6.15pm and 9pm, should come forward.
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