
Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene of a large haystack fire in Westgate at 2.47am today (November 19).
The fire involves approximately 7,000 bales of hay off Minster Road.

People living and working nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area.

Firefighters have worked throughout the night to bring the blaze under control, and at its height four fire engines were at the scene. The incident has now been scaled back to two fire engines.
Update: 2:20pm

One fire engine remains at the scene of the fire. The haystack is currently burning out under controlled conditions, and firefighters are carrying out a watching brief at the scene. Those living and working nearby are still being advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution due to smoke in the area.
It would have been better with less smoke if the haystack was allowed to burn out naturally under supervision as there were no buildings close that needed protecting.