ELEVEN fire crews responded to fire on a Lower Stanton St Quintin farm last night, which saw 'many' ducks perish.

Emergency crews were called to the blaze at just before 11pm last night (Thursday, July 26) where a barn fire had spread to an adjacent outbuilding.

It is understood that although a number of livestock were moved to safety, including 80 cattle and 100 ducks, a large number of birds could not be rescued.

A large quantity of hay and straw was ablaze and one propane cylinder exploded before crews arrived.

Several other cylinders were quickly located, removed and made safe by crews from Malmesbury, Chippenham, Corsham, Calne and Westlea.

In a large scale response they were supported by a water carrier from Royal Wootton Bassett and an incident command vehicle from Stratton.

The incident scaled back to two crews at around 2am, from Swindon and Cricklade, and a crew from Trowbridge is currently there to deal with hot spots.