Spontaneous Combustion Likely Cause of Massive Hay Bale Fire in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have given their initial findings into a substantial fire on a farm in Kirton Holme, near Boston, pinpointing spontaneous combustion as the potential cause. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, October 29, resulted in the inferno of around 14,000 hay bales.
Town Inundated with Smoke
Local residents were given firm instructions to keep all doors and windows closed because of the 'high volumes of smoke' being discharged into the air. In the wake of the incident, on Monday, October 30, a spokesperson for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue confirmed the initial findings of their investigations.
"A fire investigation was carried out and the cause has been recorded as most likely spontaneous combustion of the stacked straw bales."
Fire Crews Battle the Flames
Crews from multiple fire stations, including Boston, Kirton, Market Rasen, Donington, Spilsby, and Leverton, attended the scene, leaving in the morning of Monday, October 30, after a non-stop effort of over 24 hours. Later in the afternoon, she indicated that a team would pay a return visit to the site.
"A handover has been completed with the farmer but we will be back out to re-inspect this afternoon."
Wide Impact of the Fire
Several residents reported on social media that they could see the smoke and flames spanning miles. Some said they had witnessed the fire from the A52 and the A16. Another spoke of widespread ash coverage throughout Boston, with 'black bits' of burned hay being found on window sills and cars. Despite the size of the fire, Lincolnshire Police stated that no police resources were required at the scene.