Seven fire appliances have been called to a blaze which engulfed a hay barn and threatened a neighbouring building near Balclutha this morning.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said it was called to the blaze at Hillend Rd, just before 11.20am.
Firefighters arrived to find the fire had engulfed a 20m by 5m hay barn and was threatening a neighbouring silo full of urea.
Three fire appliances from Balclutha were originally called, but after they requested back-up two appliances from Clutha Valley and two from Waihola were also sent to fight the fire.
The hay meant the fire was intense and made it difficult to put out.
The barn was destroyed, but firefighters stopped it spreading to the neighbouring silo.
A digger was also at the scene to help put out the still smouldering hay and firefighters would remain to dampen down hot-spots for some time.
The fire was not believed to be deliberately lit, but the cause was not known to the Fenz spokesman.
