A number of local farmers from a community in Berkshire mobilised yesterday (Sunday, July 12) to help emergency fire crews halt the spread of a massive grass fire.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that at 6:08p.m yesterday crews from Gamlingay, Huntingdon, St. Neots, Chatteris, Ramsey’s water carrier and Cambridgeshire’s 4x4 vehicle along with Potton, Kempston and Sandy (Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service) were called to a fire in the open off Tetworth Hall Estate Road. 

Firefighters arrived to find a fire affecting grass, trees and hedgerows which was spreading quickly.

Click below for some images of the damage taken by Drone Photos Sandy. Scroll right to view each image.

Crews used hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire and worked urgently to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses and buildings. 

Local farmers also helped firefighters by using their machinery to make fire breaks and using water bowsers to help dampen down.

The incident was scaled down around 7:20p.m and the fire was out just after 8:00p.m.

Fire crews have returned at intervals to check the site and deal with any remaining hot spots, however the cause of the fire is said to be "unknown". 

Fire risk

It has been one of the busiest periods of the year for Sandy Fire Station crews who were involved in the operation.

The station had 89 mobilisations during June which included a combine harvester fire at Duloe.

Fire crews have stated that with the dry and hot weather forecast as getting even more extreme over the next week or so, they are appealing to the public to refrain from having BBQs or fires in open spaces "where a small rogue ember can have massive consequences".

The emergency crews are also advising the public to stay out of any rivers or ponds where hidden currents or cold water shock might hamper any swimming attempt.