A MAJOR building fire closed a main road in north Herefordshire overnight.

Fire crews from Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Eardisley, Kington, Kingsland and Bromyard were sent to the blaze in Stretford, near Leominster, which was reported at 1am this morning.

Crews tackled the fire, which involved agricultural buildings, using main jets, and nine pumps have remained on scene throughout the night.

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said the A4110 was closed at the B4457 junction at Stretford due to the fire.

Hereford Times: Fire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Craven Arms fire stationFire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Craven Arms fire station

Hereford Times: Fire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire stationFire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire station

Hereford Times: Fire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire stationFire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire station

Hereford Times: Fire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire stationFire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire station

Hereford Times: Fire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire stationFire in farm buildings near Leominster. Picture: Kingsland fire station

Hereford Times: The road has been closed at its junction with the B4457. Photo: GoogleThe road has been closed at its junction with the B4457. Photo: Google

A fire service spokesperson said the steel framed agricultural buildings have completely collapsed following the fire, and environmental mitigation measures are now being taken.

A crew from Tenbury fire station are providing relief cover.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area.

8pm UPDATE: Firefighters are still at the scene.

Relief crews are tackling the fire and damping down.

The operation now been scaled down to three fire engines, and crews expect to be there for some time.

Tonight the communities of Mortimer villages went on social media to express their thanks to fire crews.

In a tweet they said: "Our thanks and gratitude to all the crews in putting their lives at risk to save us and our property. We are most grateful." 

Hereford Times: Aerial picture of farm building fire at Stretford, near Leominster. Picture: Joanne TurnerAerial picture of farm building fire at Stretford, near Leominster. Picture: Joanne Turner