A MAJOR building fire closed a main road in north Herefordshire overnight.
Fire crews from Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Eardisley, Kington, Kingsland and Bromyard were sent to the blaze in Stretford, near Leominster, which was reported at 1am this morning.
Crews tackled the fire, which involved agricultural buildings, using main jets, and nine pumps have remained on scene throughout the night.
A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said the A4110 was closed at the B4457 junction at Stretford due to the fire.
A fire service spokesperson said the steel framed agricultural buildings have completely collapsed following the fire, and environmental mitigation measures are now being taken.
A crew from Tenbury fire station are providing relief cover.
Drivers were asked to avoid the area.
8pm UPDATE: Firefighters are still at the scene.
Relief crews are tackling the fire and damping down.
The operation now been scaled down to three fire engines, and crews expect to be there for some time.
Tonight the communities of Mortimer villages went on social media to express their thanks to fire crews.
In a tweet they said: "Our thanks and gratitude to all the crews in putting their lives at risk to save us and our property. We are most grateful."
Drone footage showing nitrogen bullet and heat signature of fire fighters pic.twitter.com/IO2Um6XGfB
— Michael Cadman (@HWFireMCadman) January 18, 2020
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