Firefighters remain at the scene of a fire that started at a nature reserve nine days ago
Villagers have said a large fire at a nature reserve is a “huge loss” to the area – as they praised “hero” firefighters who continue to battle the blaze nine days on. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service were first called to the fire at Holme Fen Nature Reserve on August 8.
Since then, firefighters have faced “unprecedented pressure” as they continue to deal with the fire, including the fifth heatwave of the summer last week. Residents in Holme described the fire as “terrible” and said it has had a severe impact on the nature reserve. Villagers have also experienced smoke blowing over into the village.
Janice Osborn said the fire has “destroyed” some of the nature reserve, adding that the fire has caused a “huge loss” to Holme. Janice added: “We have had a lot of smoke blow over, but it’s not as bad as compared to the people that live closer.
“We find it worse in the evening, around 9 to 10pm. It wasn’t fun when it was 36C, but that’s a small fry compared to what the firefighters are facing.”
One mum, who asked not to be named, also said the smell and smoke has been “worse at night”. She said: “The last two nights we have had to keep everything closed. It’s not a constant though. When my kids went to a holiday club in Peterborough recently, it smelt more over there.”
The woman said it’s “reassuring” to have the firefighters on scene. She added: “In that heat, I don’t know how they do it. I feel bad complaining about the heat.” She said she also finds it “really sad” that Holme Fen has been affected.
She said: “I have seen the drone footage and there is like a big gaping hole in the middle of it. It’s going to take a long time to recover.”
One woman who lives in Vicarage Road, and asked to remain anonymous, said the smoke has stopped her and her husband going for their usual walks. She said: “It’s like having a bonfire next to you. We’ve had to close our windows from time to time. It’s impacting our walking as we walk a lot.
“In the village, we can’t go out as it gets onto your chest, and then it’s going on in the nature reserve so we can’t go there. It’s terrible for the little creatures. [The firefighters] are working their socks off, but whether they win the battle is another thing.”
A spokesperson for Holme Fen said: “Visitors are asked to stay away to keep the roads clear for emergency services and because the site is unsafe. Peat fires can spread underground and are notoriously difficult to extinguish.”
Long-term resident Robert S, who asked not to include his full surname, said it is “very sad” as a lot of the nature reserve has been “destroyed”. He added: “Whatever the cause it, it’s not good at all. The firefighters have had a lot to deal with.
“The smoke has fanned over here, it’s caused a bit of a stink at night. We were trying not to keep the windows open, but it was hard in the 30 degree plus heat.”
Another man, who did not want to be named, described the smell of smoke as “horrendous”. He added: “We have to give enormous gratitude to the firefighters, especially in the weather we’ve had. If they didn’t have the resources they’ve had, it could have been a lot worse.”
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue remained at the scene on Monday (August 17). Area commander Wayne Swales said firefighters are continuing to “battle the conditions” at Holme Fen.
He added: “Although temperatures have reduced from during the week, it has still been hot on the fire ground, but crews have stood up to the challenge exceptionally. Thanks to the fantastic teamwork from all crews across the county and the incredible support from our National Resilience colleagues from all over the country, we look to be a better position.
“Steady progress has been made and we are discussing our tactics regularly to try and hopefully start to scale back our firefighting. We will know more over the next day or so.”

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