FIREFIGHTERS fund-raising for the New York disaster were called on to help douse a blaze which destroyed a barn.

Crews from across Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade were called to Grange Farm, Froggery Lane, Stoulton, near Pershore.

But station officer Stuart Ruff played down the firefighters' efforts, which prevented other building losses.

"There was a potential for the building to collapse and with recent events we were very mindful of that danger," said SO Ruff.

"There was potential for this fire to escalate and our crews were very efficient, but it's nothing compared to what has happened in New York.

"You have to put things into perspective.

"A few of our crew members had been collecting donations for New York and had been on call."

The crews were called to the farm around 3.15pm on Saturday after the barn caught fire. It had been storing straw and seeding stock due to be planted in the coming weeks.

Two pumps from Pershore and Worcester attended, along with a water carrier from Evesham. Further appliances from Evesham and Droitwich were called on for assistance.

"The barn was within a complex of buildings and we were concerned with making sure the other buildings didn't become involved," said SO Ruff. "There was a reasonable level of wind and with all the different buildings around there were a few wind tunnels created.

"The crews were very efficient and managed to contain the fire."

He said that there was no indication of what started the fire, which completely destroyed the barn.

Firefighters were still at the scene as the Evening News went to Press today, ensuring that the fire could not flare up again.