A BARN fire that burned for two days is thought to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at Rushmoor Dairy Farm, Old Down Road, Badminton, just after 7pm on Saturday.

On arrival they found the barn measuring 30 metres by 20 metres and containing 150 tonnes of hay well alight.

Crews worked through the night to control the fire.

The roof of the barn was found to be made of white asbestos cement sheeting.

A hazardous materials officer attended the incident to assess the situation.

Continuous checks were made on the wind direction after concerns that nearby homes could be affected.

On Twitter, Kingswood fire station warned residents to stay clear of the fumes.

“Crews currently at a Barn fire in the Badminton area please keep all windows closed if you live nearby,” they said.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset said the wind direction was favourable, and any particles were contained within the farm grounds. Firefighters stopped the spread of fire to nearby buildings. Crews from Yate, Avonmouth, Patchway, Temple, Bedminster, Southmead and Hicks Gate fire stations all attended the incident.

The remaining hay was allowed to burn but continuous checks were made throughout the night, with crews returning for the next two days.