Farm manager's thanks for help after haystack blaze

John Pearson, of Home Farm in Wentworth, said around 50 cows had been ushered out of harm’s way with help from neighbours after the blaze started on Sunday night.

Large numbers of hay bales were consumed by the blaze, which was spotted and reported by a nearby resident at about 8.30pm.

Mr Pearson, who said the cause of the fire was still being investigated, said: “We quickly moved the cows into a holding yard and everyone was really helpful in standing in all the gaps.

“People had seen the fire and come running to help and we managed to get the animals to safety.”

Mr Pearson also praised firefighters for preventing the fire spreading to a second stack of bales.

A fire service spokesperson said: “Crews from Tankersley, Elm Lane, Central and Rivelin were called to Cortworth Lane, Wentworth, at 8.28pm.

“Upon arrival they found a large amount of hay bales next to some farm buildings.

“Crews worked to ensure the fire didn’t spread to the buildings and it was largely out by around 11.44pm.

“Two fire engines remained in place overnight to keep cooling the bales, that continued to burn out slowly. We finally left the scene at 12.42pm and the fire is thought to have started accidentally.”