Around 80 pigs die in North Yorkshire barn fire

The cause of the fire is currently unknown (Stock photo)
The cause of the fire is currently unknown (Stock photo)

Around 80 pigs have died in a fire which began inside a barn on a North Yorkshire farm, fire crews have said.

The incident happened on Wednesday 24 April at a pig farm in the small village of Yedingham, near Malton.

Fire crews from Sherburn, Malton and Pickering attended the fire which started in a barn used to house pigs.

Approximately 80 pigs died in the fire. Crews extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets, six breathing apparatus and farmers’ machinery.

It is currently unknown as to how the fire started, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

An electrical fault was to blame for a fire which killed 246 pigs on a North Yorkshire farm last year.

And in 2016, a farm blaze killed around 16,000 chickens at a poultry barn in Carlisle, Cumbria.

The increase in farm fires has prompted rural insurer NFU Mutual to call on farmers to check their fire prevention and evacuation procedures on-farm.

Fire Prevention:

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

• Ensure all staff including seasonal workers 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

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