Business as usual after blaze alert at Torbay's Occombe Farm

It's business as usual after a fire alert at Torbay attraction Occombe Farm.

The alarm was raised after the fire service multiple calls from the public reporting a barn blaze at the Ring Road farm at 11am today.

Three engines from  Torquay, Paignton and Totnes initially attended with a call-up for a fourth appliance to deal with what was a trailer of hay alight inside a barn.

Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue said: "Fire Control received multiple calls for an agricultural barn on fire. On arrival of the crews they confirmed one barn measuring 20M x 20M containing a trailer of hay well alight and requested a fourth fire engine to attend.

"Crews are using the following equipment to extinguish the fire: two main jets, four breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet."

Just over two hours later the trailer was moved from the barn and farm machinery was used to turn over and dampen down the hay. By 1.30pm all fire appliances had left the scene.

The cause of the blaze is believed to be accidental.

A spokesman said Occombe is a working farm with a herd of cattle and large flock of sheep, as well as a visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play, an animal encounters barn, an animal paddocks trail and a farm shop and café. The barn where the fire started was not part of the visitor area and is used for storing hay.

Nobody, including any animals, were hurt.

The spokesman added on Facebook: "We are currently dealing with an incident involving a small barn fire in our farmyard. The fire is now under control. The cause of the fire is unknown as yet but is believed to have started inside one of three barns located in our farmyard. The barns are used for storing hay. No animals have been harmed. Most are out on our land grazing at this time of year.

"The fire has not impacted the commercial side of Occombe’s operation. Occombe Farm Park and Play, Farm deli shop and cafes are all operating as normal.

"We would like to thank our local fire brigades and associated services for their swift response in dealing with the fire. Aside from our commercial operation."