BALES of hay that spontaneously combusted because of the heat is why firefighters from Powys and Shropshire were left onsite overnight.

At around 12.50pm on Thursday, July 18, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) firefighters from Llanfyllin, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool, Llanfair Caereinion and Montgomery Fire Stations were called to an incident in Rhiwlas, close to the English border at Oswestry.

MAWWFRS crews, along with crews from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Oswestry, responded to a barn measuring approximately 45 metres by 14 metres and approximately 120 large bales of hay involved in fire. 

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A spokesman for MAWWFRS confirmed that stored hay at the farm had overheated and caught fire.

They said: “Because of the presence of cylinders within the barn, the farmer and crews started removing the hay bales and crews were dampening them down as they were being removed. 

“The cylinders were located and cooled using a hose reel jet. All bales were removed from the barn and placed in an exterior location to burn out.

“Crews utilised one 45m hose, two main jets, two hose reel jets, two thermal imaging cameras, lighting and hand tools. 

“Following monitoring and cooling down, the final MAWWFRS crews left at 7.46am on Friday, July 19.

“The fire was caused accidentally by spontaneous combustion of the stored hay.”

As a large proportion of MAWWFRS area is home to a tapestry of rural and agricultural communities.  

Following this incident, the service has issuing a farm fire safety reminder and advice to members of the farming communities.

It said: “MAWWFRS is pleased to offer a FREE Bale Temperature Testing Service. 

“If you have concerns regarding the temperature of your bales, please contact us to request a check of the temperature and moisture content of the bales, using specialist equipment. 

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“Depending on the readings we receive, we will then work with you to formulate a plan to manage the associated risks. 

“To book a free visit, please call 0800 169 1234.

“If bales are smouldering or on fire call 999 immediately.”