Location: Rainford, St. Helens
Fire crews have been called to a barn fire in Rainford, St. Helens, this morning.
Six fire engines and an aerial appliance are currently at the scene, with two of the engines in support from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service.
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 is involved in fire which has spread to a number of caravans at the scene.
Fire crews are fighting the fire with high pressure hose reels and main jets, making efforts to prevent fire spreading to a further number of caravans parked on site and surrounding buildings..
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 wearing breathing apparatus continue to fight the fire using high pressure hose reels to protect adjacent outbuildings.
The incident is ongoing. Please avoid the area.
UPDATE: 9.00AM
Firefighting continues, with main branch hoses and high pressure hose reel jets. Crews have removed caravans to a safe area so they are protected. A fuel tank is involved in the fire and fire crews have moved acetylene and propane gas cylinders away from the fire.
Merseyside Police are in attendance and Higher Lane has been closed at the junction of Rookery Lane and Cross Pit Lane.
Firefighters are aiming to prevent fire spread to a hay loft with a hose reel jet, Lancashire Fire & Rescue's specialist 'stinger' vehicle is in operation, which is able to punch a hole through metal and douse fires within. A high volume pump is also in use to secure water supplies for firefighting. A used oil tank has ruptured and oil is being contained on scene.
Firefighting continues, please avoid the area. Residents should keep doors and windows closed and keep medication for existing conditions nearby. If any ill effects are felt dial NHS 111.
INCIDENT UPDATE 11.30AM
Lancashire Fire & Rescue crews have now been released from the scene, thanks to them for their support in this incident. Crews have made good progress and are damping down the area. Five fire engines and an aerial appliance remain on scene. Please continue to avoid the area.