FOUR-WAY traffic lights have been installed by Cheshire East highways at the junction of Marthall Lane with the A537 Chelford Road following a fire involving 8,000 hay bales in Marthall Lane.

Fourteen fire engines, including relief crews, attended the fire after crews were called just before 1pm yesterday to reports of a fire involving a large barn at a secluded farm.

Knutsford Guardian:

On arrival the crews discovered a steel-framed barn containing a large number of hay bales stacked from the ground to the roof space was well alight.

Firefighters began using a hose reel jet and a main jet to create a fire break to protect other barns nearby.

A farmer helped with this by using farm machinery to move hay bales.

Knutsford Guardian:

The map shows the road closure points, and length in red and yellow sections show residents access to properties only

A clear fire break was established between barns and firefighters set up a water supply to get enough water to the area.

They then began to use a main jet to tackle the fire from a safe distance while other buildings were protected with cooling jets.

A high volume pump was set up to tackle the fire more effectively and a temporary road closure was put in place in both directions on Marthall Lane.

Knutsford Guardian:

Picture from Cheshire East highways via twitter

Farm machinery was used to move unaffected hay bales away from the fire.

Three branch holders were used from the high volume pump to create a water curtain to stop the fire from spreading to other barns and to prevent them from sustaining heat damage from the flames.

Due to the extent of the fire and the fact that it was contained to the barn, a decision was taken, with the support of the Environment Agency, to allow the affected hay to burn off.

Knutsford Guardian:

Temperatures were monitored with a thermal imaging camera.

The fire involved at least 8,000 hay bales, and firefighters remain at the scene this morning (Wednesday).

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said an investigation into the cause of the fire had begun, adding: "at this stage it is believed it is an accidental fire".

Knutsford Guardian: