A BARN fire which destroyed buildings, tractors and 200 tonnes of hay is set to go on for up to four more days.

Seven fire engines were called to the scene, at Rylands Farm, East Lambrook Road, just before midnight and remained on the scene until 1pm this afternoon (August 17).

The fire destroyed a large barn, several smaller buildings, tractors, and more than 200 tonnes of hay and silage.

It has since been brought under control and will now be allowed to safely burn out, which the fire service expect will take two to three days.

Fire engines from Martock, Ilminster, Crewkerne and Yeovil, along with a water carrier also from Yeovil, were called to Rylands Farm, East Lambrook Road, South Petherton, just before midnight last night.

On arrival, the crews confirmed that the barn was well alight, and an additional fire engine from Somerton and an incident command unit from Street were also called.

Because of fears the electricity could be disturbed, the electricity board was requested to attend due to power cables being involved in the fire. 

Police were also requested along with ambulance to stand by due to the amount of crew in attendance and to close the road.

The barn is 30m by 30m with a lean to of 30m by 30m next to it, and contained 250 to 300 tonnes of round bales of hay.

These were fully involved in the fire along with a range of surrounding outbuildings.

Crews got to work with five main jets and three hose reel jets. The electricity was made safe.

At around 8am the fire crews scaled down to one pump and were using a telehandler to remove burning hay from within the barn to an open field.

One fire engine continued to monitor the scene until around 1pm, 13 hours after the fire started.

Devon and Somerset fire service have brought the fire under control and it will now be allowed to burn out, which is expected to take three to four days.

Although the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, it is believed to be arson.