‘Mini tornado’ appears after field fire caused by spark from combine harvester

Firefighters described seeing a ‘mini tornado’ after extinguishing a field fire

A “mini tornado” appeared after a wildfire on the Cambridgeshire border. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue were called to a wildfire in Thurning, Northamptonshire, at around 2.30pm on Monday (July 20).

The fire, which was accidental, was caused by a spark from a stone that was caught by a combine harvester. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to some crops.

A fire spokesperson said: “Crews used hose reel jets and worked with the farmer to use the bowser and create a fire break.” After the fire was extinguished, a dust devil appeared.

Described as a “mini tornado” by firefighters, it did not cause the fire to spread any further. Firefighters have warned that recent dry conditions could see small sparks leading to larger fires.

The spokesperson added: “Please take extra care outside – don’t use disposable BBQs, fully extinguish cigarettes and please don’t hold bonfires. We also thank the farming community for their vigilance, and continue to ask them to check their machinery, make sure they are in good working order and not overheating.”

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