““A farmer suffered burns saving his animals as a devastating fire ripped through two barns.

Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene of the blaze at Elmtree Farm in Sellindge, near Ashford, for the next few days as efforts continue to keep it under control.

Flames could be seen pouring from the site after two barns and a haystack caught alight yesterday evening, with 14 fire engines called to the scene at the height of the fire and part of the village left without power.

It is understood the two burning outbuildings were both used for cattle, with onlookers saying a farmer rushed to release bullocks into a field after the fire started.

He suffered minor burns, and was checked over by paramedics.

Neighbours have described what they saw as rubble and hay continues to burn.

Firefighters worked with the farmer to move “a large number of cattle” to safety, with one witness saying the animals were taken away by tractor and trailer.

In an update issued at 7.30am, the fire service said four fire engines and a bulk water carrier remain at the scene.

A spokesman said: “Firefighters worked hard through the night to tackle the blaze, which involved two open sided barns, and a large haystack - which was approximately 200m x 10m x 10m in size. This morning, the haystack is burning out under controlled conditions.

“Fires of this nature can take some time to be fully extinguished, as sections are pulled away from the pile and dampened down. Therefore, there is likely to be a fire service presence at the scene for days to come.”

An investigation into the cause of the fire is set to get underway today.

People living and working nearby are warned to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.

At 1.30am, a fire service spokesman said crews had successfully surrounded the fire, and the incident had been reduced from 14 to 10 fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a technical rescue team.

As the fire raged, the glow in Main Road could be seen across the village, with video footage and pictures showing the scale of the blaze.

One bystander told KentOnline crews intended to let the fire burn out, and were not using water to douse the flames.

It is believed a tractor has also been destroyed.

Speaking late Thursday morning, a fire service spokesman said crews were still working to put out the blaze.

“Firefighters remain at the scene of a farm fire in Sellindge, Ashford, involving two barns and a large haystack,” said the spokesperson.

“Four fire engines and a bulk water carrier are in attendance in Main Road, where crews have worked through the night to tackle the blaze and help move hundreds of cows to safety.

“The fire is under control and firefighters are continuing to dampen down hotspots.

“Fires of this nature can take some time to be fully extinguished, as sections are pulled away from the pile and dampened down.

“This can cause smoke to increase and decrease, so people living or working nearby are still advised to keep windows and doors closed.

“Properties in the surrounding area may be without electricity at this time, and affected residents can follow UK Power Networks’ updates for the latest on electrical supply.

“Please share this update with anyone in the affected area who might not have access to the internet.”