FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze at a barn in Shortwood which has destroyed more than 150 tonnes of hay.

Firefighters were called to the Dutch barn, on Shortwood Hill, at 9.24pm on Sunday when they found the structure well alight.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Steve Bagg said three crews, from Kingswood and Temple fire stations, had to supervise a controlled burn of the hay bails.

"Crews secured water supplies and essentially allowed the hay already ignited to continue to burn," he said. "They used firefighting water jets to protect adjoining barns which were 10 metres away. Radiated heat could ignited have those but they were protected."

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for much of Monday. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.