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Farmer's £10k Straw Bale Blaze
28 Jul
Summary
- A farmer faces up to £10,000 in losses from a fire.
- 129 straw bales were destroyed, vital for wildlife and farming.
- The fire service suspects an accidental, out-of-control bonfire.
A significant fire occurred on July 24, 2026, at a family farm in Hilperton, near Trowbridge, Wiltshire, resulting in the destruction of 129 straw bales. Farmer Ian Cradock estimates the loss could reach £10,000, encompassing not only the valuable straw but also kilometers of vital hedgerows and a wildflower area. The Cradock family has farmed in the area since 1933.
The fire service is investigating, with preliminary findings suggesting the blaze was accidental and caused by an uncontrolled bonfire, a risk exacerbated by current dry weather conditions. Cradock expressed dismay at the destruction of the hedgerows, which are crucial for local wildlife, alongside the loss of the straw, which is currently in short supply.
This incident follows a pattern of increased wildfire activity, with the UK experiencing a substantial rise in burned land in recent years. The National Farming Union (NFU) has issued a strong warning about the risks farmers face during heatwaves, urging the public to exercise extreme caution with bonfires and barbecues, and to avoid dropping litter, which can act as an ignition source.
Crews from multiple stations worked through the night to extinguish the flames, which were put out by the early hours of July 25, 2026. The fire also caused a temporary power outage affecting approximately 114 properties due to damage to overhead lines.
