Lightning hit at Highbridge Community Farm ‘reduces shed to charcoal’

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the scene of a blaze at Highbridge Community Farm with flames reportedly more than 20ft high.

Two crews from Eastleigh fire station were called to tackle the shed fire, which happened at around midnight on Tuesday. About ten firefighters and three engines were in attendance.

According to farm volunteer, Andrew Ross, a bolt of lightning struck a solar panel on top of the 8x10ft shed, in turn setting fire to a battery and wiring.

Mr Ross described the fire as a “complete disaster” which reduced worktops, flooring and storage units to “charcoal” and that the shed, which is used for storing fruit, has been razed to the ground.

Mr Ross said: “Luckily no one was hurt and the fire didn’t spread. We have been lucky the lightning struck the fruit shed and not a more valuable building. Similarly we have already sold most of the fruit. Everyone at the farm is safe, alive and resilient and we will start clearing away on Saturday."

Farmer Silas Moule, who was working late on a neighbouring plot, raised the alarm after seeing flashing lights and hearing an explosion outside his office window.

The 25-year-old, who called the fire brigade, said: “If I hadn’t seen the fire it could have been a lot worse. Luckily I was working late. There could have been a lot more damage to the area and other buildings could have been burnt.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of fire is not being treated as suspicious, and it could have been due to a lightning strike.

No one was reported injured and by 1.13am fire fighters had managed to get the situation under control.

Located north of Eastleigh and near the river Itchen, the farm uses organic practices to grow crops

It is a a non-profit group which works co-operatively to grow food including raspberries and plums.