Explosions heard as barn catches fire in Gisleham in Suffolk

The fire started at 8.15am in Gisleham Road in Gisleham and after battling the flames, crews were able to leave the scene at 4pm. 

Explosions were reported by a neighbour and videos showed heavy black smoke rising into the air. 

A plume of black smoke was visible from the Carlton Colville and Kessingland areas of Lowestoft.

People were asked to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area.

Incident Commander Matt Webster from Suffolk Fire and Rescue said: “On arrival, it was quite a considerable, well-developed fire.

Station Master and Incident Commander Matt Webster (Photo: Mick Howes) (Image: Mick Howes)"Crews have worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control.

"We had four crews in attendance as well as a special appliance which carries large volumes of water.

The barn is located in Gisleham Road in Gisleham (Photo: Mick Howes) (Image: Mick Howes)"There will be a full investigation undertaken post-fire as to the cause and nature of the incident."

No one has been injured and the barn is reported to have had machinery inside, including tractors with fuel. 

Police were also called as the direction of the smoke headed towards the A12.

Four fire crews worked 'tirelessly' to bring the fire under control (Photo: Mick Howes) (Image: Mick Howes)Lynne Fulcher, a neighbour, said: "I was outside feeding the birds and I called the farm manager's wife to see if she was still at home and knew.

"She confirmed no one was in the barn or near enough to be hurt.

"I was extremely shocked. It was so loud it sounded horrendous.

"It was obvious it was an explosion and I didn't know where until I saw the black smoke and flames through the barn's roof."