Fire warning to farmers as temperatures rise again

Farmers in Cambridgeshire are being urged to take extra precautions as hot weather continues and the risk of fires increases.

The warning comes after Peterborough farmer Judith Jacob said her wheat crops were targeted in six suspected arson attacks last month.

So far this year, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended16 fires across the county, some of which caused significant damage to large areas of farmland. In the past two years, crews responded to more than 100 farm fires.

The service said farms were vulnerable to fires because they were often in isolated locations with poor water access. Open sites and flammable hay could also make farms targets for arson, it added.

Rural firefighting remains one of the service's biggest challenges, particularly when it comes to securing a reliable water supply.

To help tackle this, every fire engine in Cambridgeshire has been fitted with a purpose-built coupling to connect to farm water supplies, the service said.

Watch Commander Joe Gacon said: "A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business.

"We do tend to see an increase in fire-related callouts during periods of warm weather, which can result in crews spending significant time at incidents that could be avoided.

"There are things farmers and residents can do to help prevent these fires from happening. Those with children can speak with them and ensure they know the risks and dangers of fire, especially with the school summer holiday period not far away."

The fire service has published a detailed guidance for farmers on preventing fires and staying safe during the hot weather.

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.