Crews tackle 20 fires within a matter of hours

A fire service was called out to 20 blazes within a few hours at the weekend, pushing "firefighters to their limits".

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said the emergency calls were received from across the county on Saturday, with two of the fires on farmland.

Group Commander James Ball said fires on farmland were one of the biggest risks during the hot weather.

"This is because of a number of factors, such as fire spreading quickly across dry land and securing an adequate water supply, as well as finding and accessing the correct location of the incident," he said.

About 35 firefighters tackled a blaze that spread across three large fields in Peakirk, near Peterborough, at about 15:30 BST on Saturday.

The following day, about 50 firefighters attended a field fire in Whittlesey. Cambridgeshire Police said an investigation into suspected arson was under way.

Ball said: "We've seen already this weekend the challenges these fires can bring and how devastating they can be.

"Farm fires can result in the loss of machinery, livestock, stores of hay and straw, and the destruction of buildings."

Farmers are being advised to clearly signpost their farms, make sure escape routes are clear and ensure they have animal evacuation plans in place.

The fire service also urged people to think twice about having barbecues, and to move mirrors off windowsills.

"Ideally, we would advise residents to avoid lighting bonfires and garden fires," said Ball.

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