Combine harvester fire sparks rail chaos

A number of fields on fire with dark smoke and a number of houses in the foreground.Image source, Brian Clark
Image caption,

The blaze spread into fields after a combine harvester caught fire

  • Published

A combine harvester fire spread to surrounding fields and closed the main railway line in and out of Cornwall.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said it had received multiple 999 calls reporting the blaze near Dobwalls on Sunday.

Fire crews from Liskeard, Lostwithiel, Callington and Bodmin were at the scene, supported by water carriers from Liskeard and Wadebridge.

Due to the fire's proximity to the railway, train services in the area were halted. Network Rail said the railway line reopened at about 20:10 BST, after the fire was extinguished.

Train operator GWR confirmed all lines were clear following the incident.

Services between Par and Plymouth were particularly affected, with delays and cancellations likely, it said.

Passengers were advised to check for updates before travelling.

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