EIGHT fire engines are still tackling a massive barn fire in Darnhall, near Winsford.

At around 1.40am this morning (Sunday, September 19) Cheshire Fire and Rescue and Service were called to reports of a fire in an outbuilding of Hall Lane in Darnhall.

Fire crews arrived at the scene to find two barns well alight, with each barn said to contain around 180 tonnes of hay.

Fighting the flames throughout the night, two crews remain on the site this morning, controlling the fire and having helped the farmer moved hundreds of animals to safety.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At around 1.40am firefighters from Winsford, Chester and Tarporley were dispatched to reports of a fire in an outbuilding on Hall Lane in Darnhall.

"On arrival the crews found two steel frames barn measuring around 20 metres by 100 metres which were both well alight. Each building is believed to contain around 180 tonnes of hay.

"An additional five pumps from Northwich, Middlewich, Nantwich, Crewe and Holmes Chapel were called to the scene along with an aerial Platform from Chester.

"Firefighters split the building into sectors and are using hose reel jets to tackle the fire.

"Crews have been working hard throughout the night to tackle the fire and prevent it from spreading to any adjacent buildings.

"Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, have been using hose reel jets and main jets to help extinguish the fire.

"They have also used thermal imaging cameras to monitor the temperature of the fire and nearby buildings.

"Crews have helped the landowner to move approximately 400 animals to safety.

"There are no reports of any injuries at the current time.

"The incident has now been reduced to two fire engines, and crews from Alsager and Audlem remain in attendance at the scene.

"Firefighters are expected to remain in attendance at the scene for several hours."