BRAVE firefighters tackled a blaze for more than four hours after a large farm barn packed with 250 tonnes of hay and straw became engulfed in flames.

Crews from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to Rectory Road, Weeley, just before 9am on Thursday.

Five teams of firefighters were deployed from Clacton, Weeley, Colchester and Brightlingsea after receiving reports that an agricultural building was completely on fire.

On arrival crews found a barn, which measured around 30m by 15m, filled with around 250 tonnes of hay and straw.

The structure was completely ablaze, so firefighters immediately started to protect the surrounding area from further fire damage.

Eventually, the raging barn fire was brought under control and by 2pm crews reported they were allowing the hay and straw to burn under control.

They then continued to dampen down the area until it was completely extinguished and safe.

An investigation will now take place to determine the cause of the fire.

Peter Harris, who is Tendring Council’s ward councillor for Weeley and Tendring, has yet to visit the site of the fire, but says he had heard about a serious blaze breaking out.

Mr Harris has now sent his well-wishes to those impacted by the fire and praised the firefighters for their rapid response and professional approach.

“I am sure the fire brigade acted as they always do, in a brave and impeccable manner,” he said,

“They did a tremendous job in dealing with the fire and showed professionalism like always.

“My thoughts at this time go out to all those affected by the damage caused by the fire.”