Seven blazes trigger farm arson warning in Cambridgeshire

A Cambridgeshire farmer has warned of the dangers of deliberate fires after seven blazes were started on and near her farm over two nights.

Cambridgeshire Police and Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service believe the fires near Peterborough were started deliberately.

Firefighters, supported by local farmers, prevented the blazes from spreading in the hot, dry conditions.

See also: Arson one of leading causes of UK farm fires

Third-generation beef farmer Judith Jacobs, from Moor Farm, Glinton, near Peterborough, said the incidents put people, livestock, wildlife, homes and farm businesses at risk.

“Sadly, we experienced similar incidents several times last summer, and this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable,” she said.

“With the current hot and dry weather, these fires pose a serious risk.

“They also place unnecessary pressure on our fire service, wasting valuable time, resources and water at a time when they are already extremely busy.”

At about 8pm on 28 June, six fires were reported in fields and hedgerows around Moor Farm, between Peakirk and Glinton.

A further fire was reported at about 10.30pm the following evening, when a derelict caravan containing tyres was set alight in a lay-by on Gunthorpe Road, near Barn Garden Centre.

Reward for information

Mrs Jacobs thanked firefighters for their swift response and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.

She urged anyone with CCTV footage or information to contact the authorities.

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said farms are particularly vulnerable to arson because of their isolated locations, open boundaries and combustible materials such as hay and straw.

Anyone with information should contact Cambridgeshire Police to submit an online report or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.