A 15-tonne pile of horse manure is thought to have spontaneously combusted and sparked a stable yard blaze in Foots Cray on Saturday (August 13).

Passers-by initally thought the Sidcup branch of the B&Q DIY store was ablaze, with pictures showing plumes of smoke appearing to come from the building.

But it was actually a fire at Critalls Corner stables and horse paddock, which investigators think was started by a pile of poo that burst into flames.

The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the pile of manure self-heated causing a fire which then spread to part of the stable yard.

The fire damaged a horse trailer, 15 tonnes of manure and two tonnes of tyres.

There were no reports of any injuries to people or horses.

The Brigade was called at 6.09pm and the fire was under control by 8.09pm.

Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters from Sidcup, Bexley and Lee Green fire stations attended.

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