Arson suspected as 65 pigs die in South Yorkshire farm fire

South Yorkshire police have confirmed around 65 pigs have died and extensive damage was caused to a building
South Yorkshire police have confirmed around 65 pigs have died and extensive damage was caused to a building

A farmer has been left feeling "extreme distress" after around 65 of his pigs died due to suspected arson, police confirm.

An investigation has been launched into the reported fire at a farm on Barnsley Road, Cudworth on Tuesday evening (15 May).

At around 7.30pm emergency services responded to reports a barn at BleachCroft Farm had been set alight.

The police said around 65 pigs have died in the incident and extensive damage was caused to a farm building.

Officers are currently working with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to investigate the incident, which is currently being treated as suspected arson.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Mark Monteiro said: “I would like to offer my reassurance that a full investigation is now ongoing and we are working in partnership with South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue to pursue a number of lines of enquiry.

“At this time the incident is currently being treated as arson and I would encourage anyone who may have any information to please report it.

“This incident has caused extreme distress to the farmer owner and we are committed to establishing the exact circumstances.”

n a statement South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said: “When the crews arrived, the roof of a barn was well alight.

“Several pigs survived the blaze but unfortunately a number of them have died in the incident.”

Farm fires

A sharp rise in farm fires has prompted a rural insurer to call for farmers to check their fire prevention and evacuation procedures.

NFU Mutual’s claims statistics reveal that the cost of farm fire claims rose by an alarming 26% to £44m in 2016.

The most common cause of farm fires was electrical faults, which were responsible for almost half of 2016 fire claims, according to the insurer. Arson was the next most common cause.

NFU Mutual has created a farm fire checklist for farmers to ensure safety at all times:

• Ensure there are sufficient fire extinguishers for the size of buildings and that materials stored are inspected and regularly maintained

• Ensure staff and adult family members know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them

• Reduce the risk of arson by fencing-off straw stacks and farm buildings

• Store hay and straw at least 10m from other buildings

• Put in place an evacuation plan for staff and livestock

• Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in secure areas

• Schedule regular electrical safety checks

• Invite your local fire and rescue service to visit to check water supplies and access routes

• Check nfumutual.co.uk for advice on preventing farm fires

If a fire breaks out:

• Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay

• If possible, send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire to help save time.

• Prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread

• Prepare to use your farm machinery to assist the Fire and Rescue Service

Anyone with information on the South Yorkshire fire is asked to report it via 101 quoting incident number 861 of 15 May. Anonymous information can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.