Fire sparks 'keep windows closed' warning and investigation after 'asbestos' barn roof blaze near Kettering village
Residents living near a farm fire on the outskirts of Kettering have been warned to keep their windows and doors closed as investigations take place into a barn blaze.
Emergency crews from Northants Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) were called to the fire in Poplars Farm Road last night (Sunday, January 18) just before 10pm.
Residents in Kettering and the surrounding area – including Barton Seagrave, Burton Latimer and Grafton Underwood – were asked to keep their windows and doors closed due to the heavy plume of smoke as a result of the roof, thought to potentially contain asbestos.
At the height of the fire, four crews fought the blaze with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
A spokesman for NFRS said: “One crew and a water bowser remains on scene at a fire on Poplars Farm Road in Kettering after Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called shortly after 10pm last night (January 18) to reports of a barn on fire. While there is still smoke coming from the fire, it has reduced considerably.
“If you are affected by the smoke please keep your windows and doors closed, but residents are safe to carry on with their usual day. “At the start of the fire, it spread to what was believed to be an asbestos roof. Samples of this will be collected and sent for further testing to confirm.
“The smoke plume has now reduced and it is now a quantity of wood that is burning, which is expected to continue for some time. If still affected by the smoke, nearby residents are advised to continue keeping their windows and doors shut but are safe to go about their normal day. “At the height of the fire, four crews and two water bowsers were in attendance and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets, an ultra-high-pressure lance to contain the fire.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place when it is safe to do so.