THREE kittens had a lucky escape when firefighters rescued them from eight tons of burning straw yesterday (June 17).

The Hunts Post: Stack fire at Kings Ripton Road, HuntingdonStack fire at Kings Ripton Road, Huntingdon (Image: Archant)

Firefighters were called to Kings Ripton Road, Huntingdon, just before 6pm to find a straw stack on fire.

The Hunts Post: Firefighter Becky Freeman with kittenFirefighter Becky Freeman with kitten (Image: Archant)

It took the fire services an hour to bring the burning stack where the kittens were living under control.

Three kittens were rescued but were scorched and singed and remained with a vet today (June 18).

Kevin Creaton, crew commander, said: “This still acts as a timely reminder that if correct safety measures are not in place when clearing and burning rubbish on your land, the fire can soon escalate.

“People should also check any long-standing piles of garden rubbish before setting fire to them as small animals can settle in them such as these kittens did and make their nests and dens inside.

“We were unable to save any other kittens and the kittens rescued were scorched and singed.”

The cause of the fire was believed to be spontaneous ignition.