Horses Saved From Farm Fire

Around a dozen horses were saved at a New Forest stables thanks to the quick work of Hampshire firefighters.

They were called to a farmhouse in Hill Top at 4.25pm on Wednesday February 27 and discovered the roof alight.

The building was surrounded by stables containing the horses, two of which were led to safety by an animal rescue specialist. The other horses were able to remain in their stables but were also looked after by the animal specialist.

Crews from St Mary's, Hardley, Beaulieu, Hythe, Brockenhurst and Eastleigh then surrounded the fire to control the spread.

The occupants of the farmhouse were able to escape after their smoke alarm alerted them to the fire in the roof.

Station Manager Rob Cole said: "The buildings were arranged in such a formation that we had to contain the fire quickly to prevent it spreading to the stables and barn.

"The crews worked very hard in a short space of time to strip the roof tiles to allow us to attack the fire from above. Firefighters also entered through the loft hatch to attack from below and surround the fire.

"The owners of the horses were certainly extremely grateful to see us contain the fire so quickly and stop it spreading to the stables."

Around half the roof was destroyed by the fire and a third of the lounge was also damaged by the blaze. The incident was dealt with by 6.25pm.