Firefighters are continuing to battle a huge blaze at Holme Fen – three days after it was first started.

Crews have remained on the scene since the fire was first reported on Saturday morning.

Residents are still being asked to keep doors and windows closed if they smell smoke.

More than 80 firefighters have been attempting to bring the flames under control – but the extended period of hot, dry weather Peterborough has been having has created ‘a very challenging incident’ for the teams.

placeholder image — The fire has been raging since Saturday

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The hot conditions and other hazards are making this a very challenging incident. However crews from across the county, as well as other services from neighbouring counties and further afield, are working extremely hard to contain the fire and extinguish it. However, this is a long process.

“We are still urging people to please avoid the area. It is very busy with emergency vehicles and it also for your own safety due to the hazards in the area. “If you can smell smoke, please close your windows and doors.”

Farmers and residents have been working to help support the firefighters in the scorching heat.

On Saturday, the spokesperson said: “The fire is now surrounded, good progress has been made, and crews are continuing to work to extinguish it. The fire is deep seated in peat so will take some time to fully extinguish.”

Crews have worked through the night to tackle the flames

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling praised the work of the crews.

He said: “It’s incredibly sad to see another serious fire at Holme Fen, which is such a special part of our local environment.

“I’m hugely grateful to the firefighters who have been working in extremely difficult conditions to bring the fire under control, as well as the local farmers who have stepped in to support their efforts.

“I know many residents will be concerned about the damage being caused, and I’d urge everyone to continue following the advice of the emergency services and avoid the area while their work continues.

Firefighters from across Cambridgeshire - and further afield - have been working at the scene

“With the continued hot and dry weather leaving our countryside particularly vulnerable, we all need to take extra care and do what we can to reduce the risk of further fires.”

The cause of the blaze has not yet been identified.