Fourth farm fire prompts warning

More than 50 firefighters fought the blaze at the Great Hem in Forden

Fire chiefs are urging farmers to be vigilant after a fourth major farm blaze in a small community in six weeks.

The latest started in a barn at Stalloe farm, near Montgomery, Powys, on Tuesday at about 0130 GMT.

Mid and West Wales Fire Service said it was concerned and urged farmers to keep a close eye on their buildings and asked them to check hay temperatures.

Police and fire officers are also visiting farms to offer safety advice.

The four incidents occurred within about 1.5 miles (2.4km) of each other.

Last Friday, more than 50 firefighters tackled a blaze at the Great Hem farm in Forden. Meanwhile, on 26 September and 18 October crews tackled two separate fires at the village's Woodlands farm.

'Extra vigilant'

The fire service said it had launched a joint investigation with Dyfed-Powys Police.

Fire service county commander Richard Fry said: "The fire service is concerned about the recent number of barn fires in the Powys area.

"The incidents are currently being investigated jointly by police forensic officers and fire investigation officers.

"We would like to reassure the local community that we are doing all we can to promote safety measures in the area.

"Our advice to the farming community in particular is to be extra vigilant, to check temperature conditions of hay stacks and to keep a close eye generally on all outbuildings.

"Firefighters and police officers in the area are visiting farms to offer safety advice."

More than 30 firefighters tackled the latest fire at Stalloe farm, which destroyed a number of round bales and machinery.

Farmers who would like advice from the fire service can telephone [phone].