40 firefighters battled a huge blaze off the A4 in the Wiltshire countryside today (Friday).
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) was called to reports of field well alight on Overton Hill, East Kennett, shortly before 11am this morning.
The fire involved a field of cut and baled straw – with the flames covering an significant area measuring 500 metres by 500 metres.
Crews from Marlborough, Devizes, Swindon, Chippenham, Westlea, Royal Wootton Bassett and Trowbridge attended the scene.
A water carrier from Pewsey, a support unit from Salisbury and a small 4×4 appliance from Ludgershall also provided assistance in tackling the fire.
A spokesperson for DWFRS said that firefighters used hose reel jets, drags and beaters whilst farm machinery was used to create fire breaks.
The fire was out by around midday and crews left the scene.
It’s believed the fire started accidentally; it’s suspected farm machinery has hit the flint in the ground and caused sparks – in turn, lighting the straw.
