FIREWORKS caused complications when a blaze destroyed a Dutch barn at Potts Farm, Runwick Lane, Wrecclesham, last Wednesday. Fireworks stored in a purpose built building close to the barn meant possible trouble for the fire crews who had to take measures to protect the explosives from the heat and flames. Crews from five fire engines had to use 16 sets of breathing apparatus while they battled the flames for almost 20 hours before the fire in the barn was put out. But crews were on the scene until last Friday to dampen down and prevent any flare ups. Precautions had to be put in place to stop nearby farm workers' accommodation and cow sheds being set alight. The fire completely destroyed the six-bay Dutch barn, after 150 tonnes of hay and straw that was being stored inside it caught alight, although it is not yet known how the fire started. Fire crews were called from Hampshire and Farnham. The flames could be seen clearly throughout the night in Wrecclesham and Dippenhall.
