A BARN was severely damaged after its baled hay spontaneously combust.

Firefighters attended the incident which happened this morning at Sydling, St Nicholas.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the blaze at 7.37am.

Crews from Maiden Newton, Dorchester, Beaminster and Poole were sent to the scene.

On arrival, the crew members found a barn containing 80 tonnes of baled hay alight.

Up to 20 firefighters battled the blaze using two hose reel jets, one main line and breathing apparatus.

It is believed that the fire was due to the spontaneous combustion of the hay.

A spokesman for DFRS said: “The barn measuring approximately 15 meters by 10 meters contained 80 tonnes of baled of hay, a large quantity of which was alight.

“The crews used two hose reel jets, one main line and breathing apparatus to protect the barn and the remaining bales.

“The farmer assisted by using a tractor to make a fire break in the hay and moving the remaining hay to the open air.

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been spontaneous combustion of the hay.

“The damage was severe by fire to the barn and its contents.”

The fire was brought under control by 10.21am.