Cambridgeshire: Driver rescued from tractor on fire
5th August 2025
A driver has been rescued from a tractor that caught fire in a field in Cambridgeshire.
Crews from Gamlingay, Linton and Cambridge responded to a fire involving a tractor, pylon and surrounding field on Thursday afternoon, 31st of July on Grange Road in Duxford.
Firefighters rescued the driver of the tractor and worked with UK Power Networks to isolate the power.
The force confirmed that the cause of the fire was accidental.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service said: “Thankfully, there were no injuries. Firefighters then extinguished the fire that had spread to the surrounding area, before returning to their stations.”
Essential tips that could save your life
Plan ahead: Find out the maximum reach of all machinery and consider how it can be used safely. Mark overhead and underground power cables on farm maps and inform all staff, contractors and visitors where they are situated. Cable plans can be requested at www.Isbud.co.uk and from UK Power Networks.
Download the What3Words app in case you ever need to explain your location to the emergency services.
Look out look up: Always look around you before loading or unloading, using tipper trailers in fields, and when stacking.
Never raise the bed of a tipper lorry underneath an overhead power line or drive under the line with the body of the vehicle raised. Drivers should unload elsewhere and use a vehicle that doesn’t pose a risk near overhead power lines (such as a small dump truck).
Take extra care in dark or poor light, especially when tired.
Stay alert: Remain vigilant when using GPS auto-steer systems. Always assume power lines are live even if they are damaged.
Exit plan: In an emergency, call 0800 3163105 or just dial 105 – store this number in your phone contacts.
Know how to exit your vehicle in case of an emergency and keep at least ten metres away from fallen power lines. Stay in the cab, or, if you need to get out, jump well clear so that no contact is made between you, the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Further information about working safely around the electricity network can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive or at www.ukpowernetworks.com
READ MORE: Farmers urged to ‘Look Up It’s Live’ and avoid overhead power lines
Read more farm safety news.
