Warning about dry conditions after combine harvester fires near Bicester and Chalgrove

Crews from Bicester, Kidlington and Winslow fire stations were called on Saturday evening to reports of the agricultural fire in a field near Bicester. 

Using hoses and beaters, the firefighters put out flames that had spread from the combine harvester to the cut barley field. They were able to prevent the fire from spreading to unharvested crops. 

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The Bicester fire came barely 24 hours after another, less-serious combine harvester blaze in Chalgrove.

On that occasion, the driver of the farm vehicle was able to keep the flames at bay using a fire extinguisher. 

Crews from Slade Park and Watlington fire stations, who were called to deal with the fire, said the farmer's efforts had prevented a 'much more serious and costly incident'. 

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Please be very cautious at the moment due to the extremely dry conditions."

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward