Firework blamed for Walsoken farm blaze

A stray firework is being blamed for a devastating farm fire which took firefighters more than seven hours to get under control.

The incident which happened in Walsoken on Sunday night has sparked a renewed warning over the dangers of fireworks from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who have shared a video of the blaze.

It is believed a firework set off nearby may have landed in a pile of straw leading to the fire which ripped through farm buildings and machinery.

Luckily the owners were able to rescue 20 horses from the fire before the emergency services arrived.

Fire crews from Outwell, King's Lynn, Fakenham, Terrington, and Wisbech spent seven hours battling the blaze.

Despite the firefighters' efforts the fire destroyed a large barn, multiple pieces of farm machinery, and more than 100 tonnes of hay and straw.

Firefighters remained on the scene throughout Sunday to monitor the aftermath of the blaze and then revisited the scene again on Monday morning.

A fire service spokesperson said: “ We believe this fire was caused accidentally by a firework set off nearby.

“Accidental fires can be devastating and our thoughts are with the family affected by this incident and we thank them for letting us share this video.

“Please think carefully before having fireworks, organised displays are safer for everyone.”