FIREFIGHTERS have tackled a large roof blaze at a farm near Beaminster.

Six fire engines and several specialised appliances were called to Potwell Farm Stables, Mosterton Cross, at around 11am today and extinguished the blaze using two main lines and two hose reel jets.

No one was in the building at the time of the blaze – which caused damage to the roof and smoke damage to the property.

The farm houses around 50 horses, including those owned by National Hunt racehorse trainer Anthony Honeyball.

A member of staff at the stables unsuccessfully attempted to put the fire out before calling 999.

Incident commander Jason Moncrieff from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We had six fire engines at the scene, including appliances from Yeovil and Crewkerne – along with the aerial ladder platform from Yeovil.

“On arrival, we discovered it to be a well-developed roof fire.

“Our priority was to ensure that we contained the fire and prevented the fire spreading to a nearby thatched property.

“The blaze was initially tackled by a member of staff – but this proved to be unsuccessful and they did the right thing by immediately calling 999. No-one was inside the property at the time.

“The owners did the right thing by getting out, staying out and called the fire brigade out.”

Crews from Beaminster, Bridport, Charmouth and Weymouth were sent to the scene, along with further appliances from Crewkerne and Yeovil in Somerset.

The fire was brought under control by 2pm – with the cause yet to be determined by investigators.

The blaze caused fire damage to the roof of the property and smoke damage to the interior.

Speaking at the scene, a neighbour of the farm said: “Luckily everyone was fine and so were the 50 or so horses that they have here.

“It’s just a shame that they will have to go through their belongings which is probably all damaged from the smoke.”