Crews stop field fire from spreading to homes

About 35 firefighters have tackled a fire that had spread across three large fields.

Crews were called to Rectory Lane in Peakirk, near Peterborough, at about 15:35 BST on Saturday and arrived to find the fields well alight, said a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue.

Anthony Gould, from Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, said: "It was a wind-driven fire and our biggest concern was it was being driven towards houses and allotments."

They used beaters as well as water to contain the flames, while a farmer ploughed in field breaks, managing to prevent its spread, he said.

Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade, which operates as a private fire brigade under a unique contract with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority, was first on the scene.

Gould, its chief officer, said: "As we were approaching the field fire, we saw it was spread across three massive fields - we were kind of in the thick of it, it was hard work for everyone involved."

Firefighters also attended from Dogsthorpe, Stanground, Whittlesey, Littleport and Stamford in Lincolnshire, as well as a specialist four-by-four vehicle from Thorney.

Crews reinspected the area overnight to check for hotspots and ensure the area stays safe. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

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