An open-sided barn with an asbestos roof in Heckmondwike was virtually destroyed by fire last night.
Fire crews from Cleckheaton, Batley and Dewsbury went to the blaze off Union Street at 6.05pm.
Firefighter Adrian Hunter said between 30 and 40 bales of rags in the barn caught fire.
"Fortunately the run-down barn was on its own in a field," he said.
"There was no danger to other property surrounding it from the smoke as it was blowing up and away.
"We had to take extra precautions with it being an asbestos roof. The bales of rags had been there a while, and the roof also caught fire.
"About 70 per cent of the building was destroyed."
Firefighters revisited the scene today to dampen down.
He said arson was suspected and the fire was under investigation. The barn is expected to be pulled down as it has been left in a dangerous condition.
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