Little Totham barn fire six horses saved

Four fire crews are in attendance in School Road, Little Totham following reports of a barn fire at 7.51pm this evening.

Six horses were in the stable at the time and have been led to safety and are said to be unharmed.

Crews from Tiptree, Tollesbury, Maldon and Corringham are at the scene.

Photo: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service)

When crews arrived, they reported the barn was 50 per cent alight.

By 8.45pm the fire was surrounded with the help of a water bowser, which allowed them to sustain a good supply of water for a longer period.

Residents are being warned to avoid the area as firefighters work to extinguish a fire.

Firefighters are expected to be at the scene for some time.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a barn fire in Little Totham on Thursday evening.

“On arrival, crews confirmed that the barn was around 50% alight. The barn, which measures approximately 40 metres by 20 metres, contained roughly 50 tonnes of baled straw as well as agricultural machinery.

“Given the remote location of the fire, the officer-in-charge requested the support of a water bowser.

“The water bowser carries a large amount of water, helping to support firefighters with a good supply for a longer period of time.

“The fire was surrounded by 8.45pm. Crews managed to prevent it spreading to a nearby stable building. Six horses, which were in the stable at the time, were led to safety and unharmed.

“Firefighters were continuing to tackle the fire at 9.30pm. The fire is still surrounded, but due to the amount of straw and materials inside the premises, we expect this to be a protracted incident and crews expect to be at the scene for some time. Please avoid the area.”