Pigs perish in Suffolk farm fire

Some 50 pigs are believed to have died in a Suffolk farm fire which also destroyed 100t of straw.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to a barn fire at Green Street, Hoxne, at 1.14pm on Saturday 14 March.

See also: Fires cost farm industry more than rural crime

Initially a fire engine from Stradbroke and one from Diss were sent to the scene.

However, following subsequent calls, a further fire engine from Diss was mobilised.

The severity of the blaze meant crews fighting it were forced to request extra help with a fire engine from Harleston, a command unit and a support pump from Ixworth being sent to the scene.

The fire involved one barn containing about 100t of straw and one piggery.

Crews used four jets, three hose reels and four sets of breathing apparatus to tackle the fire.

The incident was under control by 4.18pm.