The crew commander at Royston Fire Station has spoken about their extremely busy day tackling multiple field fires in South Cambs last week.

Crews from Cambs, Herts, Beds, Suffolk and Essex were sent to blazes in Meldreth and Ickleton on Thursday when the weather temperature was more than 30°C - and watch commander Steve Greaves lead the Royston team.

He said: “The wholetime crew on the first pump were called to Grange road, Ickleton around 12.30pm. to assist crews from Cambridgeshire and Essex and a water browser from suffolk with a 20 acre stubble and standing crop fire.

“In the meantime the second on call crew from Royston were also called to a larger crop fire in Meldreth where 14 other pumps from across the region were also called upon to assist.”

The blazes were bought under control by around 4pm and Steve said several members of the fire services suffered heat exhaustion.

He added: “We’re urging people in the unprecedented hot weather to remain well hydrated and to take on plenty of nutrients. We would also like to remind people to be vigilant and mindful of where they are disposing of outdoor cooking paraphernalia.”