Shocked neighbours have described seeing “the sky glowing red” as nearby cow sheds went up in flames.

The huge blaze at Elmtree Farm in Sellindge, near Ashford, started before 10pm yesterday and is still burning now.

Fourteen fire engines were initially sent to the scene but the flames have now been brought under control and firefighters are dampening hot spots.

Crews worked through the night and helped move hundreds of cows housed in the buildings to safety alongside the farmer, who suffered minor burns.

Elmtree Farm is just 300 yards away from Sellindge Primary School – and some pupils stayed at home today.

A spokesman for the school, where staff provided tea and coffee for firefighters, confirmed there was a risk it might have to be evacuated should the wind change direction.

Recalling the dramatic scenes last night, villager Debbie Shepherd told KentOnline she noticed something was wrong as she was about to go to sleep.

The 57-year-old, whose garden in Moorstock Lane backs onto the farm, said: “I went to bed and as I pulled the curtains all I could see was the sky was glowing red above the trees.

“I went out into the garden and there was just a massive ball of red and orange flames.

“You could see some of the lights of the emergency services there and billowing smoke everywhere.

“We had the electricity off for about two hours, and there was frantic coming and going of fire engines and farm vehicles. We lost our water supply for a bit too.

“It was still glowing when we finally got to sleep but that was at about 2am. I feel very sorry for the farmer.”

Residents report that all the animals survived the inferno.

Lisa Hopkins, who also lives in Moorstock Lane, described how “huge lorries” were diverted down narrow roads away from the A20, where crews were working.

“I wasn’t sure that they would get through the end of the lane because it was very very narrow,” she said.

“I heard that the trucks were going across the field to reach the blaze.

“We could see the glow from the fire – it was lighting up the sky.”

The 67-year-old believes the windy weather contributed to the massive scale of the flames.

“Some of my neighbours said they had a lot of debris blown into their gardens,” she said.

“The farm is well known in the village and has been there for many years. It’s come down two generations. They are a hardworking family and this will be really difficult for them.”

In an update at 11am today, a fire service spokesman stated: “Firefighters remain at the scene of a farm fire in Sellindge, Ashford, involving two barns and a large haystack.

“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.”

Huge, burning piles of rubble remain with smoke still spreading over the village.

It is believed a tractor was also destroyed in the incident.

In a further update at 4.47pm, the fire service tweeted: “Crews remain at the scene of a fire involving two barns and a large hay stack in #Sellindge#Ashford, where they are clearing debris and maintaining a watching brief to ensure no further fire spread.

“People in the area are still advised to keep windows and doors closed.”

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