The fire affecting 10,000 tonnes of baled straw on farmland near Fowlmere at the weekend is believed to have been started deliberately.

Royston Crow: The stack fire between Fowlmere and Foxton started in the early hours of Sunday, and is pictured here on Sunday afternoon. Picture: ArchantThe stack fire between Fowlmere and Foxton started in the early hours of Sunday, and is pictured here on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

10,000 tonnes of baled straw caught alight in a field between Mill Road and Shepreth Road – between Fowlmere, Foxton and Shepreth – at the weekend.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at about 1.30am on Sunday – two crews from Cambridge, one crew from Gamlingay, and water carriers from Newmarket and Ramsey all attended the scene. The fire was still burning this morning.

A Cambs Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman told the Crow earlier today: “Crews arrived to find a stack fire involving 10,000 tonnes of baled straw.

“Firefighters used jets to prevent the fire spreading further, while working with the farmer to break up the stack.

“The fire will be regularly re-inspected.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers and fire crews attended the scene. It is believed the fire was started deliberately.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident should call police on 101 quoting incident 39 of September 2 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”