We went over to Wroxham (Norfolk Broads) yesterday and saw a huge plume of black smoke drifting over nearby fields. As we sat in the McDonalds, about ten fire-engines hurtled through the high street, sirens blaring. Apparently they had been sent from five towns, some not all that nearby.
The railway line had to be shut down. Harvest is in progress, and it's thought that carelessness with cigarettes, matches, outdoor barbecues etc cause these dangerous field fires. Although sometimes 'spontaneous combustion' in the intense heat and drought can start fires too. Very worrying.