Crews tackling large hay fire at former RAF base

A large stack of hay bales on fire in the middle of the night. Image source, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Image caption,

Fire crews could be at the scene for about a week due to the scale of the incident amid dry weather, the fire service said

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Firefighters are tackling a large blaze at the former RAF Wigsley airfield in Nottinghamshire.

Crews were called to the field at 00:32 BST on Sunday where 12,000 tonnes (12,000,000 kg) of hay bales and corn crop was alight.

A spokesperson for the fire service said about 10 fire engines were at the scene during the height of the incident overnight, but the operation had since been reduced to three engines.

Due to the scale of the fire and the current dry weather, crews could be at the scene "for the week", the spokesperson added.

A large pile of hay bales on fire. Image source, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Image caption,

Firefighters have been at the scene overnight trying to stop the flames

The fire service has urged people to avoid the area where possible.

Any residents who can still see or smell smoke have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

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