Firefighters faced “hazardous conditions” as they spent more than 14 hours battling a blaze at a farm in Caithness.
Police are appealing for information about the fire at Broynach Farm, near Murkle, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning.
It was reported at 2.10am and the first crews on scene found the building well alight.
The two crews from Thurso called for back-up from John O’Groats and Wick as flames engulfed the barn.
The blaze was put out by 11.30am but firefighters also used thermal imaging cameras to ensure that gas cylinders in the barn – believed to contain acetylene – did not explode.
A relief crew from Bettyhill was sent at 10am and they remained on scene throughout the morning,
No one was injured in the incident, but extensive damage could be seen to the roof of one of the outbuildings.
The fire brigade said that the barn, which also contained farm machinery, was completely destroyed.
The owner was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Fire service group manager Philip Green said: “Crews were working hard in the early hours in particularly hazardous conditions to bring the fire under control.
“A thermal imaging camera has been in use as crews continue to monitor the temperature of the cylinders.”
A police spokeswoman said: “Police in Caithness are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire which caused damage to farm outbuildings in the area of Murkle, near to the A836 Castletown to Thurso Road, between midnight and 2.30amson Sunday.”
Police have urged anyone with information on the incident to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.