A crop field went up in flames as temperatures sizzled across the UK.
Firefighters issued a warning after 15 acres of ripe barley were engulfed by the blaze yesterday (16 Jul).
Crews quickly brought the fire under control using beaters and multiple hose reel jets.
READ MORE: BBC’s late antique expert’s private collection of silver sells for more than DOUBLE of estimate
Once the fire was surrounded and extinguished, the incident was scaled down, with remaining crews damping down hot spots.
With hot weather increasing the risk of wildfires, the fire service urged the public to stay vigilant and follow key safety advice when out in the countryside.
The huge blaze erupted in Hursley, near Winchester, Hants, as reported by Need To Know.
And locals had the utmost sympathy for the farmer after a video of the fire was shared online.
Chris Smith said: “Looked a good crop of barley.”
Adrian Gallop added: “That’s destroyed a farmer’s livelihood.”
Tesni Jones said: “Poor farmer.”
And Magdalena Sulkowska said: “I still see people just flicking their cigarette buts like it’s nothing.”
Many parts of Britain are parched after the driest spring in decades.
Four areas of England are now in drought, including the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the north-west.
The hot, dry weather was a hazard to crop production, the environment minister, Emma Hardy, said.
She added: “Water companies must now take action to follow their drought plans – I will hold them to account if they delay.”
England had a very hot and dry June.
Rainfall was 20% less than the long-term average for the month, and it was the hottest on record for England.
Reservoir levels have continued to fall as increased water use meets lack of rain, with overall storage across England at 75.6%.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “This afternoon (16 Jul), a large fire tore through around six hectares of crops in Hursley.
“Thanks to the fast response from our fire crews, it was quickly brought under control
“But it’s a powerful reminder of how easily fires can ignite in this hot, dry weather.
“Firefighters from Eastleigh, Redbridge, St Mary’s, Fareham, Alresford, Hightown, and Beaulieu were called
“Approximately six hectares of standing crops were involved in the blaze.
“Crews quickly brought the fire under control using beaters and multiple hose reel jets.
“Once the fire was surrounded and extinguished, the incident was scaled down, with remaining crews damping down hot spots.
“With hot weather increasing the risk of wildfires, the public is urged to stay vigilant and follow key safety advice when out in the countryside.
“No barbecues, pack a picnic instead.
“Dispose of cigarettes properly; never discard them on the ground.
“Take litter home, glass and other rubbish can start fires.
“No campfires, fires are not permitted in open countryside.”
READ MORE: Banned driver caught speeding while high on drugs just moments before horror crash
