Huge fires burn through crop fields in both north and south England

BBC
Mon, 11 Jul 2022 22:51 UTC

Kent Fire and Rescue Service sent 15 fire engines to the scene in Church Road in Cobham on Sunday night

A large fire in a Kent field has now been extinguished, firefighters say.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) were first called to Church Road in Cobham near Gravesend at 18:45 BST on Sunday.

At it's height 15 fire engines, a bulk water carrier and a technical rescue unit were at the scene.

KFRS say the incident is not believed to be suspicious but the cause of the fire is unknown.

At its peak, approximately one hectare (2.47 acres) of field was alight and some firefighters are still at the scene to dampen any remaining hot spots.

Previous advice for locals to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area has since been lifted.

Image source, Lou SmithImage caption, A massive plume of smoke in the area was captured on camera during the blaze

Comment: Meanwhile up north, The Yorkshireman reports:

A video posted to the North Yorkshire weather updates page shows the blaze in full with the caption: "16: 10 Large crop fire on the side of the A61 just north of Ripon, Fire Engines"

North Yorkshire Police also posted on its Twitter account a notice to drivers to find an alternative route as Fire Service works to put out the blaze at the scene.

They wrote: "Field fires causing road issues near Ripon

"There are fires in fields alongside the A61 at Hutton Bank (north east of Ripon). Please avoid the area and find other routes for journeys, while @NorthYorksFire work at the scene. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

It seems that over 4 acres of crop field are up in flames at Ripon north in North Yorkshire. Over a dozen fire crews in the fire department are currently tackling the blaze.

Another Twitter user didn't mince their word describing the fire near Ripon as "fucking massive".

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, but the North Yorkshire Police will investigate and update more information. No injuries have been reported at this time.

It's been reported that the fire was extinguished by Harrogate Fire Station below.

This, amidst looming food shortages.

See also: Gates-funded grocery delivery facility Picnic burns to the ground in the Netherlands