FIREFIGHTERS from North Tawton and Hatherleigh were among 50 who tackled a large barn fire in North Devon. The fire broke out at 1pm on Friday on a farm at Lodgie Cross, Ashreigney. The barn contained a large amount of farm machinery, plus oxygen, argon, acetylene and propane cylinders. North Tawton watch manager Twiggy Lake said an adjoining caravan was severely damaged by the fire and half a dozen horses were moved to a neighbouring field for their safety. A 250-metre cordon had to be set up around the fire and residents were evacuated from cottages and nearby buildings. Ground monitors were used to cool the cylinders for 24 hours before they could be removed. The strong winds on Friday were also a factor in spreading the fire. Appliances from Chulmleigh, Torrington, South Molton and Barnstaple were also at the scene and the firefighting operation was completed at 4pm the following day. Mr Lake said the cause of the fire was under investigation.
