PHOTOS: Large stack fire
Firefighters were called to reports of a large fire involving a large amount of hay in White Roding on Saturday evening.
On arrival, crews confirmed that two separate stacks - measuring around 4 metres high and 10 metres squared - were 100% alight.
Firefighters are using a mechanical digger to separate one larger stack of hay to allow them to extinguish it more easily, while also managing a controlled burn of the other stack.
At 8.30pm, Incident Commander Steve Wintrip said: "Firefighters are working incredibly hard here this evening to keep this fire under control in high winds and dry conditions. I can't over-state what a fantastic job they're doing.
"Given how much loose hay there is and how dry everything is right now, it's really challenging to stop this fire spreading. Thankfully, with the support of our off-road vehicle and a mechanical digger from the site, we're making good progress.
"However, we do expect this to be a protracted incident before the scene can be made safe again - the road will remain closed for the timebeing and crews will be here throughout the night. Please avoid the area."
Update 10pm - The fire is surrounded and under control. Firefighters are continuing to remove hay from the larger stack and dampen down the hot material. This is a very time-consuming process and will continue overnight. Two new crews will take over at the scene shortly.
Update 7.30am (Sunday) - One fire engine remains at the scene. Firefighters are continuing to manage a controlled burn of the second stack and making sure the fire doesn't spread, now that the first stack is broken down and fully extinguished.
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