Farms had to be evacuated yesterday (Sunday, April 12) after a huge blaze involving piles of compost in Ramsey Heights.
At about 1.40pm, more than 20 firefighters were sent to Biggin Lane where they found a large amount of organic waste, some 6,000 tonnes, on fire.
The compost heaps were said to have been “well alight” and crews from Huntingdon, Ramsey and Sawtry, as well as Stanground and Whittlesey, fought to prevent it spreading to an office.
Strong winds made fighting the fire difficult and water from a nearby lake had to be used.
A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said farms in the area had been evacuated “for the comfort of those living there”.
Station commander Kevin Napier said he did not believe there had been anything harmful burning but advised people to close windows and doors if they encountered smoke.
At 7pm, crews had the blaze under control but were still having to fight the fire to protect machinery.
It was anticipated that the organic waste would continue to burn for some time but was not a risk to public health.
Fire-fighting continued throughout the night and the situation was monitored this morning, before a meeting was due to be held with land owners this afternoon (Monday).
A spokesman this morning added: “At present, the smoke is reduced and less dense compared with yesterday afternoon and with a reduced wind, should not affect a large number of residents.”
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