A STRAY firework set fire to a barn containing machinery and hay on Saturday (November 3).

A STRAY firework was the cause of a Huntingdonshire barn fire which destroyed buildings and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Three crews were called to New Manor Farm on Ellington Road in Woolley at 8.40pm on Saturday (November 3) to find the 25sq m barn alight.

The building, which was used to store hay and farm machinery, was joined to a stable housing three horses.

All the animals were rescued uninjured with the help of the owner and several fire-fighters.

Crews used two jets to create a water curtain which isolated the flames and then two hose reels to put out the fire.

The incident was scaled down at 11.30pm but fire crews stayed to monitor the situation until 10am on Sunday morning.

Incident Commander, Andy Tucker, said: “This was a very serious fire, which has completely damaged the barn and put the lives of the horses in the adjoining stable at serious risk.

“We would urge anyone using fireworks to ensure that they follow the instructions very carefully and also to make sure that the fireworks are aimed well away from buildings and structures.”