A combine harvester fire in Oxfordshire and a significant industrial blaze in Livingston prompt emergency responses and public concern as fire crews work to control the situations.
Combine Harvester Fire and Industrial Blaze Cause Concern in Oxfordshire and Scotland
Oxfordshire Incident
Emergency services were dispatched on Monday, July 29, to address a fire that erupted in a field near Wallingford, Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at approximately 2:25 PM when a combine harvester caught fire, subsequently igniting a nearby field at Lonesome Farm Cottages, Crowmarsh Gifford.
Fire crews from Wallingford, Didcot, Henley, and an additional unit from Berkshire Fire and Rescue promptly responded to the scene. High-pressure hose reels were employed to combat the blaze, which produced thick, black smoke visible from a considerable distance. Witnesses reported an initial loud bang before observing the rising smoke and flames sweeping through the area.
Footage circulated on social media depicts the intensity of the fire, with several fire appliances in action amidst the escalating smoke clouds. By 4:34 PM, fire engines from Henley and Wallingford remained on site, engaging in damping down operations to prevent any further spread.
Livingston Industrial Fire
Earlier the same day, a significant fire broke out at a commercial building in Livingston, Scotland’s Houston Industrial Estate. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received the alert at 11:34 AM, after reports emerged of a well-developed blaze at Independent Mercedes & BMW Specialists Ltd on Grange Road.
The SFRS mobilised six fire engines and a high reach appliance to tackle the fire. The building was evacuated promptly, and no casualties have been reported thus far. Emergency crews continued to work tirelessly at the scene, striving to bring the flames under control.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that road closures were implemented around the Houston Industrial Estate to facilitate the work of emergency services and maintain public safety. Motorists were advised to avoid the area to prevent congestion and facilitate the fire-fighting efforts.
The urgency and scale of these incidents have drawn significant public attention, particularly due to the dramatic images and videos shared online. Both fires were described as well-developed upon the arrival of emergency crews, highlighting the quick response and coordinated efforts of the fire services.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from authorities on the scope of the damage and the status of the fire-fighting operations.
