Crews to be at Holme Fen fire 'for the foreseeable future'

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Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene of a major fire on a Cambridgeshire nature reserve for the foreseeable future.

The blaze, which broke out at Holme Fen on August 8, covers an area equivalent to around 60 football pitches and is burning deep within the peat.

Crews have faced challenging conditions and continue to work through long shifts to bring the fire under control.

The fire has now been burning for a week straight, but Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said that crews are expected to remain at the scene "for the foreseeable future", as the fire is very complex and deep seated.

Matthew Warren, chief fire officer at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This has been one of the most significant fires our county has faced in many, many years.

"Our crews have been amazing in the face of gruelling conditions.

"Every station across the county has been at the site over the course of the week.

The blaze covers an area equivalent to around 60 football pitches (Image: Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue)

"Our Control operators have also done an exceptional job in making sure we maintain cover for other emergencies across the county and responding to 999 calls, both from our residents and for other busy services around the country."

National Resilience teams and partner agencies are supporting the response.

Mr Warren said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone that is pitching in to help.

"We’ve seen fire engines here from the length and breadth of the country pitching in to help us tackle the fire, and our partners have been pivotal in our response.

"We have also been inundated with refreshment and welfare support from residents and business from across the county.

"My sincere thanks goes out to everyone involved."

Smoke is expected to remain visible while firefighting operations continue.

Residents who feel affected are advised to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

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