Nearly 40 firefighters and eight fire engines were needed to tackle a large field fire in Burton Green this week.

Firefighters were called to the Hob Lane blaze at 12.30pm on Tuesday (July 19) afternoon and stayed on site until 5pm as they battled to stop the fire spreading to 80 acres of nearby rapeseed crop.

The fire was one of 24 separate incidents tackled by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service during the heatwave this week.

A Kenilworth Fire Station spokesperson said: "On arrival we found a large fire spreading rapidly.

"At its height eight fire engines and around 40 firefighters were tackling the fire to prevent it spreading to other nearby fields.

"Crews from Warwickshire and West Midlands worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire. We left the scene around 5pm."

Warwickshire Police's Rural Crime Team was also called to the scene and used its done to check the field for remaining hotspots.

The force said local farmers had "worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of the fire".

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The cause if the fire is being investigated with the support of all agencies involved.

WFRS has thanked the Warwickshire community for both their practical and virtual support over what has proven to be a busy 72 hours for the service.  

Cllr Andy Crump, Warwickshire County Council's portfolio holder for fire and rescue and community safety said: "Our crews have worked exceptionally hard over the last few days to respond to incidents quickly in what were very challenging conditions.  

"I would like to say a massive thank you for the incredible efforts our crews made to protect residents in Warwickshire and our colleagues who looked after the welfare of our firefighters doing their job on the hottest day on record. 

"Finally, thank you to everyone else who took extra care during these difficult few days and followed our advice to stay out of open water, not to have campfires, stubbing out cigarettes thoroughly, not leaving litter lying about and avoiding the use of disposable BBQs, particularly near grass, trees, fences, sheds or shrubs."