Fourteen fire crews were called to a farm on Holyhead Road, Boningale, just outside Albrighton, on Wednesday 5 August after a straw shed caught fire and the blaze spread to a neighbouring field.
Crews came from Albrighton, Baschurch, Bridgnorth, Newport, Shrewsbury, Telford, Tweedale and Wellington, with support from Staffordshire. Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service asked people to avoid the area and to keep windows and doors closed downwind.
Moving the herd
Around 1,600 pigs were housed in two sheds next to the fire. They were first moved into fields, then loaded onto lorries and taken elsewhere, with the work finishing at around 11pm. The straw shed was destroyed, but the pig sheds are believed to have survived and all the animals were reported safe.
The farmer thanked the fire service, neighbouring farmers and livestock hauliers who arrived at short notice, describing the community response as heart-warming.
Stay fire-safe
The fire was one of several major blazes in the county during a very dry spell. The fire service asks people to take care with anything that could start a fire in the countryside, including barbecues, cigarettes and bonfires.
Sources
- Shropshire Star: 'Avoid the area and close windows' warning as 14 fire crews battle barn and field blaze near Albrighton (6 August 2026)
- Shropshire Star: Farmer offers thanks after 1,600 pigs moved following major Albrighton shed fire (6 August 2026)
This story was written by Albrighton.org.uk from the reports above. Spotted an error? Let us know.