A wall of flames met the first fire crew from Devizes as it arrived the battle a blaze a West End Farm, Rowde this morning.

Command support manager Ade Hurren said: “The first crews did a tremendous job containing the fire when they arrived. They were met with a wall of flames and had to deal with a difficult water supply.”

Crews from all over Wiltshire joined the battle to save farm buildings at the property owned by MT and DG Handy.

The first crews arrived just after 11.10am after the alarm was raised by workers at the farm.

Those from Devizes and Melksham were soon joined by others from Chippenham, Marlborough, Wilton and Pewsey.

Mr Hurren said: “The water pressure from the hydrants in these village area is often low so we have had to call in specialist water carriers to help with the operation.

The A342 was closed and there was also heavy congestion and chaos along some of the small village lanes leading into Rowde as motorists tried to find their way around the fire area.

The fire was contained with barns and other farm buildings but tons of hay and straw are feared to have been destroyed.

There were no casualties reported and livestock was not affected as the animals were away from the buildings in nearby fields.

Ambulance crews stood by in case there were any casualties among fire fighters and police controlled the traffic.

Mr Hurren said: “We have not sent anyone in breathing apparatus. We are keeping back and using hose reels to put out the fire.

"We have managed to surround the blaze so it is not able to spread but it will take a considerable amount of time to dampen down.”

A fire investigation unit was at the scene to try and establish the cause of the blaze.