Fire crews in 'better position' at Holme Fen blaze

News imageCambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service An aerial view of a large area of woodland which is on fire. Large clouds of grey smoke are coming from the land.Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Crews have been tackling the blaze at Holme Fen since 8 August

A fire service said its crews were now "in a better position" as they continued to tackle a major peatland fire at a nature reserve.

Half of Holme Fen Nature Reserve, near Peterborough, has been affected by the blaze which started on 8 August.

Wayne Swales, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service's area commander, said its crews were making "steady progress" and regularly reviewing its tactics to "scale back" firefighting.

"Thanks to the fantastic teamwork from all crews across the county and the incredible support from our national resilience colleagues from all over the country, we look to be a better position," he added.

Swales previously compared conditions in which firefighters were working to "boil in the bag" meals due to the heat.

He added it has "still been hot on the fireground" for crews over the weekend although the weather had been cooler.

News imageCambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service A firefighter is standing in the middle of a woodland which has been affected by a fire. They are holding a hose over their shoulder and pointing it towards the peatland. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters from across the country helped with the peatland fire

Peat is formed over thousands of years from an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter.

Peatland fires can be hard to put out as they can spread undetected as they may not produce obvious flames or much smoke.

Brigades from across the East of England and further afield have joined forces at Holme Fen.

Swales said: "We have been really overwhelmed by the numerous donations we have received, either at the scene of Holme Fen or at our stations around the county.

"The kindness and generosity of our communities is truly phenomenal and we really, really appreciate everything being done to support our crews.

"We have also been really well supported by other partners with resources, in particular colleagues at Natural England."

More stories about the fire at Holme Fen

News imageCambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service The aftermath of a blaze in parts of a woodland which has left several trees charred. Several branches are on the floor and a long hose is reaching across the peatland. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Fire crews have faced working in high temperatures as well as the danger of falling trees

On Friday evening, the government sent alerts to millions of mobile phones warning against setting light to anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, firepits and fireworks.

Crews first went to the site in Holme on 27 July to tackle another fire described as "deep seated in peat", making it likely to burn for longer.

That fire is being investigated as suspected arson and Cambridgeshire Police has appealed for information.

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