Field fire destroys tractor, baler and straw crop

The John Deere 6170 was completely destroyed in the blaze, which took hold extremely fast in the dry conditions

Firefighters have tackled a blaze in field which rapidly destroyed a tractor, as well as up to four acres (1.6 hectares) of straw.

Crews from four stations were called to Tuttington, near Aylsham, Norfolk, just before 14:00 BST.

Farmer Nick Taylor said: "The driver spotted the fire and tried to unhook the trailer from the tractor but unfortunately it was too hot and within minutes the tractor was well alight."

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, which began in a straw baler, was extinguished just after 15:30.

The fire began in a straw baler, used to turn straw into bales

Mr Taylor had lent his tractor to another farmer, so "unfortunately it caught fire in somebody else's field", he added.

Two neighbouring farmers quickly ploughed around the edges of the field to help prevent the fire's spread to nearby high voltage cables, he said.

"It's only a tractor and baler in the end and no one was injured," he added.

Tractor owner Nick Taylor reckoned three to four acres (1.2 to 1.6 hectares) of straw, as well as straw bales, were also destroyed in the blaze

A fire service spokesperson said: "Appliances from Aylsham, Sprowston, North Walsham and Cromer, alongside the tactical response vehicle from North Walsham and Reepham and the water carrier from Hethersett, attended a fire in the open on Tuttington Road.

"Hose reel, jets, hand appliances and beaters were used to extinguish the fire."

He had lent his tractor to another farmer, while he worked elsewhere