Ferbane and Birr fire brigades attended what they described as a “hay barn fire” near Banagher, Co. Offaly earlier this morning.

The alarm was reportedly raised in the early hours – circa 3:00am – and the two crews tackled the blaze well into the late morning. Traffic diversions were in place for a time.

There were no injuries; at this time the cause is unknown.

fire

Image source: Offaly Fire & Rescue Service

According to Offaly Fire & Rescue Service, a lot of work is needed to extinguish such fires but the task is made easier when there is “mechanical machinery” to remove the bales – so that firefighters can access the blaze.

fire

Image source: Offaly Fire & Rescue Service

Back in July, close to 20,000 pigs died in a devastating blaze on a Dutch farm near the village of Erichem in the province of Gelderland.

The incident began on Thursday, July 27; it took multiple teams of local firefighters to get the blaze under control.

The smoke that was emitted from the blaze could reportedly be seen up to 20 miles away. Local residents and people in the area were asked to remain indoors and close all windows and doors.

People in the area were also reportedly asked not to touch any soot particles, due to fears it may contain asbestos.

It took a number of hours for the fire service to quell the blaze.

Extensive damage was caused to the sheds, though no person is believed to have been injured in the incident.

It allegedly broke out in the barn where the pigs were kept; no animals survived the blaze.