Two horses have tragically died after a blaze at a barn on a farm. Two further horses were released from neighbouring stables and taken to safely in an adjacent field after the fire spread to caravans on the site, fire chiefs have confirmed.
Sadly, both horses were pronounced dead at the scene. A fuel tank was involved in the fire, said Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and fire crews were forced to move acetylene and propane gas cylinders away from the site of the blaze.
Fire crews were called to Holiday Moss Farm, off Muncaster Drive in Rainford, St Helens, at 4.30am on Saturday. Six fire engines and an aerial appliance went to the scene, with two of the engines in support from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
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In a statement, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were on scene at 4.32am and arrived at Holiday Moss Farm off Muncaster Drive to find a large barn of metal construction involved in fire around 40 x 30 metres in area.
"A quantity of hay was involved in fire which spread to a number of caravans at the scene. Sadly, two horses at the scene have been confirmed deceased. Two further horses have been released from a neighbouring stables and released safely to an adjacent field."
Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the morning.
"Crews have removed caravans to a safe area so they are protected," added the statement. "A fuel tank is involved in the fire and fire crews have moved acetylene and propane gas cylinders away from the fire."
Police were called and Higher Lane closed at the junction of Rookery Lane and Cross Pit Lane. Residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed.
Firefighters are now said to be damping down the area. Five fire engines remain on scene. "Please continue to avoid the area," added the brigade.
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