Firefighters continue to risk falling trees and unstable ground in a bid to bring the Holme Fen fire under control.

Scores of firefighters have been at the scene of the inferno since Saturday (August 8), battling the flames overnight.

At its peak, the flames spread over 70 acres at the nationally important nature reserve – and teams from as far afield as Merseyside have been called in to help fight the fire.

One of the crews that has been front and centre at the scene has been the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade (PVFB) – and they have described the incredible efforts taken by all the teams working on the scene.

Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade have spoken of the dangers of tackling the fire at the nature reserve. Picture: Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade

placeholder image — Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade have spoken of the dangers of tackling the fire at the nature reserve. Picture: Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade

In a social media statement, they said: “Over the past two nights, PVFB have attended the major incident at Holme Fen, mobilising at 6pm on both occasions. We arrived back at station at approximately 03:30 this morning, while PVFB are currently on scene for a third consecutive day, continuing to fight the fire.

“Throughout the night, 8 crews have been maintaining overwatch, working to contain the fire within an area spanning approximately 70 acres, which has been divided into four sectors, 2 crews at each sector.

“Firefighting during the hours of darkness presents significant challenges due to the conditions and the risk of falling trees. During daylight hours, crews continue to face difficult conditions, including unstable ground and numerous holes and hazards within the landscape."

“Firefighting during the hours of darkness presents significant challenges due to the conditions and the risk of falling trees. During daylight hours, crews continue to face difficult conditions, including unstable ground and numerous holes and hazards within the landscape.

“The fire within the area has been significantly reduced, but it continues to burn in places and is generating substantial amounts of smoke. Crews have made good progress throughout Tuesday, but firefighting and monitoring efforts will continue over the coming days.

“The efforts of all the fire services involved have been immense. PVFB would particularly like to recognise the dedication of our on-call firefighters, who have been going above and beyond while balancing their firefighting commitments alongside their full-time employment.

“Although the incident has been incredibly demanding, it has also been fantastic to see crews coming together from across the country — with resources travelling from as far afield as Essex and Merseyside. Appliances of all kinds, uniforms from many different services, but above all, a huge number of dedicated and fantastic people working together towards the same goal.

“We will continue to do our part — volunteering, supporting our communities and fighting fires whenever we are needed.

“A huge thank you to every firefighter and emergency service involved.”

What is Holme Fen?

Managed by Natural England, Holme Fen is a thriving nature reserve across 657 acres of landscape. Home to a magnificent silver birch woodland and the famous Holme Post, located 2.75 metres below sea level, the lowest land point in Great Britain.

Holme Fen is home to a variety of wildlife species throughout the year. The meres have islands and shallow banks which encourage birds, dragonflies and marsh plants including over 500 types of fungi, enabling the reserve to be designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Residents are urged to stay away from the site while firefighters work.