Firefighters tackled a substantial farm fire near Hackpen Hill on Saturday morning after a stack of hay caught alight, destroying around 250 hay bales. Crews from Westlea, Swindon and Marlborough were mobilised shortly after 09:30 BST, with smoke visible for miles across the surrounding countryside.
Emergency response and containment
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said personnel used hose reels and farm machinery to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters and local farmers worked to create a fire break to prevent the flames spreading to nearby crops and livestock.
Wiltshire Police were asked to attend the scene at the request of the fire service. The fire service has confirmed there were no injuries reported.
"I was some distance away, but it was a big fire. I understand it was 250 hay bales which caught light, which is quite the loss for the farmer," said James Hussey, who runs Weir Farm in Broad Hinton and redirected a tractor to help.
Local impact and public safety advice
Hackpen Hill, one of several local hills featuring a white horse carving, is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the immediate area while crews continue to damp down hotspots and clear the scene.
Local residents may notice residual smoke and restricted access on nearby lanes while emergency and farm vehicles remain on site.
- What happened: Roughly 250 hay bales caught fire on farmland below Hackpen Hill.
- When: Crews called shortly after 09:30 BST on Saturday.
- Response: Fire crews from Westlea, Swindon and Marlborough attended; Wiltshire Police also asked to attend.
- Reported injuries: None.
Incident summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Hackpen Hill (near Wroughton / Broad Hinton) |
| Time called | Shortly after 09:30 BST |
| Crews on scene | Westlea, Swindon, Marlborough |
| Hay bales destroyed | Approximately 250 |
| Injuries | None reported |
Farmers in the area provided assistance, including redirecting machinery to help control the fire. One local farmer, James Hussey of Weir Farm in Broad Hinton, said he diverted a tractor to assist the crews. Firefighters used both water and mechanical methods to halt the spread.
At present there is no further information from Wiltshire Police. Anyone with information relevant to the incident or who witnessed the fire is asked to contact the force.
This incident underlines the vulnerability of stored forage to ignition and the importance of rapid response by emergency services and local agricultural partners in preserving surrounding crops and livestock.
