FIREFIGHTERS from Halstead were called in to action yesterday to fight an severe blaze more than 20 miles away.

Fire teams from Essex and Hertfordshire were called to a fire at Needham Green Road in Hatfield Health on Thursday, May 20.

Crews responded to calls at around 1.20am after reports of a massive fire involving multiple farm buildings.

The fire was raging in three large barns covering an area of 50 metres by 60 metres.

The blaze was so fierce, specialist firefighters from Halstead had to called to support the efforts of six other fire crews.

The Halstead water bowser team are able to carry and deliver vast quantities of water to remote areas if there isn't enough water to tackle the blaze.

By 4,30am, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported that one of the barns has been "completely destroyed."

The two other barns are said to have contained multiple farming vehicles while firefighters also had to work to remove several cylinders from the burning buildings.

At 5.30am, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported the fire was under control.

A spokesman said: "The fire is under control and firefighters are working to extinguish hot spots.

"Three fire engines will remain at the scene for the next few hours to ensure all hot spots are fully extinguished and cooled.

"The cause of the fire is not known."