An estimated 6,000t of baled straw went up in flames in the UK recently, with three fire crews called in to tackle the blaze.

The Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service was called to the scene at around 10:30pm on Thursday, August 31. Fire crews attended the fire until lunchtime the following day.

It was decided to let the stack of bales “burn itself out under supervision”. There were concerns that the potential pollution from water run-off into the watercourse could be “far more harmful than the air pollution from the smoke”.

The straw was the result of weeks of tough labour during this year’s harvest. It has been suggested that the fire may have been started deliberately.

George Roworth, who runs RB Agricultural Contracting Ltd alongside his brother, owned the straw. On a post on Facebook, he explained that he was “sad and frustrated at some people’s total disregard for others’ property and livelihood”.

straw fire

Image source: Facebook

The fire quickly spread throughout Roworth’s stack yard in Retford, destroying thousands of tonnes of straw in the process.

The agricultural contractor explained that the fire does not just have serious financial implications.

“This took an enormous amount of time and hard work from our dedicated lads to gather in, in what can simply be described as a very testing harvest.

This straw cannot simply be replaced, as it was scarce enough to source in the first place.

Roworth also took the opportunity to thank the local fire brigade, land owners, colleagues and employees for their support and assistance in dealing with the fire. But he also confirmed that the whole site had been destroyed.

straw fire

Image source: Facebook

He called on anyone who may have information about the cause of the fire to come forward and contact either himself or the local authorities.