Farmers urged to make checks after field fires

Firefighters are urging farmers to keep machinery free of crop debris to avoid field fires after being called out to four blazes in one day.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said with farmers working long, hard hours in the hot, dry weather, dust and chaff could easily build up in combines and balers and may catch fire if machinery overheats.

The fire service said sparks caused by flints striking machinery could also lead to field fires.

It encouraged farmers to follow its safety checklist, including cleaning farm machinery often, carrying a mobile phone, knowing their exact location and best access route for emergency services, and keeping a fire extinguishers on all vehicles.

Group manager Matthew Skyme said: "On just one day this week, we attended four significant field fires across Dorset and Wiltshire.

"It's easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if any parts then overheat.

"The problem can be compounded when machinery is worked extra hard during hot weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions."

An Amber wildfire alert remains in place across the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area.