FIVE hundred tonnes of hay and straw are still burning after a blaze broke out close to the M4 motorway in South Gloucestershire.

Numerous farm vehicles were destroyed in the fire at a farm in Emersons Green but dogs being kept at a kennel next door were kept safe.

Flames were spotted just after 1am this morning and a smoke plume is still visible from the M4. Avon Fire and Rescue Service has had crews at the scene all night and firefighters are still at the farm on Howsmoor Lane.

Fire service spokesman James Bladon said: “The fire is affecting the hay and straw in a barn measuring roughly 50x40 metres. It is believed there are 500 tonnes in that barn.

“It is also used to store agricultural equipment and vehicles including a tractor, hay baler, a digger and a car which were all destroyed.”

He said crews from Kingswood were first sent to the scene but were later backed up by crews from Yate and Hicks Gate.

“We had four crews on scene in the early stages,” he said.

“Fire crews have been working throughout the night dealing with this fire and a number of relief crews have attended during the night and this morning.

“Firefighters worked quickly at the time to stop the spread of the fire to an adjacent kennel, which was home to 12 dogs. Fortunately crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading and all the dogs were uninjured and able to remain in the kennel.

“Regular checks were made on them throughout the incident by both fire crews and the property owners.”

One crew is still at the scene and Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it would maintain a presence on the farm all day.

The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation will be launched later today.