Firefighters battle vast blaze in Cambridgeshire’s Holme Fen

Crews tackle difficult terrain and challenging conditions

Author: Vicky HainesPublished 14th Aug 2026

Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service is tackling a substantial blaze enveloping 93 acres in Holme Fen.

Area Commander Simon Thompson has released a statement stating that firefighters are working tirelessly in arduous conditions, amidst challenging terrain and unstable ground.

The command centre is coordinating resources, supported by national assets and local farmers who have stepped in to create crucial firebreaks.

Water supply for firefighting efforts remains a significant challenge, addressed with the installation of irrigation units and innovative equipment setups.

Moreover, the fire's path through deep peat is complicating containment efforts, with burning happening beneath the surface and causing trees to fall.

As temperatures climb into the mid-30s, personnel are stretched thin, but the fiercely coordinated efforts of firefighters continue as they strive to manage and extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, the Peterborough area experiences smoke due to winds shifting direction, affecting residents who are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Coordination with various agencies and community support is proving vital, with continuous efforts and updates provided through social media and official channels.

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