The cause of a major blaze tackled by eight fire engines last night and this morning is still unknown, the fire service has said.

Eight appliances were called to a barn alongside the A168 at Allerton Park, near Knaresborough, shortly before 11pm last night (October 22).

Crews worked overnight to protect surrounding buildings and control the fire, which was still burning at around midday today.

Farm machinery was used to create a firebreak and North Yorkshire Police closed the A168 overnight.

When the Stray Ferret went to the scene at lunchtime the barn, just metres from the road, was completely gutted. The frame was still standing but the interior had been totally engulfed by flames, which continued to burn.

Firefighters were working behind the wall of the property, but no one from the emergency services was available to speak to at the time. 

The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for an update this afternoon, and was told the cause had not yet been established.

A fire service spokesperson said there had not been any reports of injuries to people or animals. 

Here is a video of the scene at around midday today (October 23). 

It also emerged today that firefighters were called to a barn fire in Aldwark at 11pm last night, which turned out to be the same incident. This suggests the barn blaze could be seen seven miles away.

The Stray Ferret approached stables and horse livery site, Isabella Armstrong Equestrian, which is located around the same area.

We again asked if any people or horses were impacted by the fire, but we were told all horses were “safe and sound”.