Hay barn fires may be spontaneous

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Firefighters in Cumbria say a string of barn fires may have been the result of spontaneous combustion.

Crews dealt with three incidents in the space of 48 hours in Grange Over Sands, Pardshaw, and Cleator Moor.

In each case, substantial amounts of hay were destroyed, although no injuries have been reported.

Cumbria Fire Service says hay and straw, which may have been slightly damp when stored, could spontaneously combust as it dries out.

Organic material

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service group manager Mike Smith said: "This can happen when the right set of circumstances are in place.

"The fires happen when naturally occurring bacteria in the hay are activated and generate heat which cannot escape because of damp hay.

"The temperature steadily rises until a fire starts.

"This is probably more common than people think. It can happen with any organic material and is even the cause of some tyre fires.

"Our advice to farmers would be to remain vigilant, especially if they are forced to store hay which is damp or wet."