Firefighters from St Neots and Gamlingay were among those called to a major blaze in Great Shelford on Wednesday, highlighting once again how quickly fires can spread in the current dry conditions.
Around 50 firefighters attended the incident on Hinton Way in Great Shelford after a tractor fire spread to a large area of field shortly before 2pm. Crews from St Neots and Gamlingay were among those supporting colleagues from across Cambridgeshire, along with units from neighbouring Suffolk and Hertfordshire.
The fire caused significant smoke in the area, with advice given to local residents to keep doors and windows closed, while drivers on the M11 between Duxford and Trumpington were urged to take extra care. The incident was brought under control by early evening, with crews returning later to check for hotspots.
The call-out comes amid ongoing warnings about the risk of outdoor fires, with ground conditions remaining extremely dry. Fire services are reminding people to avoid lighting bonfires, barbecues or using disposable BBQs in fields and open spaces, as flames can spread rapidly.
It follows on from last week’s report that crews from Bedfordshire had travelled as far as Dorset to assist with a large heath fire – further underlining the pressure on fire services during hot, dry spells.
Hot air balloon drama in Bedford
Weekly food waste collections set to launch across St Neots in 2026
Rise in fires prompts fresh safety warning across Cambridgeshire
St Neots Charity Dragon Boat Race 2025 – Winners Announced
Chewing Gum Clean-Up Project Underway in Bedford Town Centre
Comments
Add a comment