A combine harvester fire spread to and destroyed a large area of crops in Dorset.

Multiple fire stations, including Bridport Fire Station, were called to the crop fire in Piddletrenthide, near Dorchester on Tuesday, August 22 before 3.30pm.

Although the farmers were able to save the combine harvester, the blaze had spread to the 40-acre field of linseed stubble and destroyed a large area of the crop.

A spokesperson from Bridport Fire Station said: "It’s been a busy first part to the week for Bridport with ten callouts so far including a crop fire in Piddletrenthide on Tuesday, August 22.

"Multiple stations were mobilised after a combine harvester caught fire. Luckily the farmers managed to save the combine harvester but the fire spread destroying a large area of crop.

"Crews using three pumps, two heavy off-road pumps and two light off-road pumps managed to extinguish the flames with hose reels and beaters."

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to a 40-acre field of linseed stubble at Piddletrenthide at 3.22pm on August 22, where a fire had started in a combine harvester and spread.

"Crews attended from Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport and Sturminster Newton, along with small 4x4 appliances from Bere Regis and Blandford. The combine had been made safe by the farmer, so firefighters used four hose reel jets to extinguish the field fire."

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued the following statement reminding farmers of the importance of keeping up cleaning and maintenance schedules during the harvest period.

Every year, the Fire Service is called to deal with numerous fires involving farm machinery, hay bales, fields and barns.

Watch Manager Graham Kewley, fire safety team leader (central), said: “As the harvest goes on, farmers are working long, hard hours and it’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if parts of the combine then overheat.

“The problem is compounded when machinery is worked extra hard between periods of inclement weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions.”

The Fire Service is also reminding farmers of the requirement to carry out a fire risk assessment for their buildings. Part of this process should identify access and water supplies to assist firefighters and the location of hazards such as cylinders, fertilisers and flammable liquids.

Watch Manager Kewley said: “We also encourage farmers to have a farm emergency plan – this can save vital minutes in the event of an incident and will help firefighters to deal with a fire more quickly and more safely.”