FIRE crews were rushed out to Pymoor on Tuesday afternoon after reports that a large quantity of tyres had caught fire. Two crews from Ely and an engine from Littleport were called at about 1pm to Straight Furlong on the outskirts of the village after rep

FIRE crews were rushed out to Pymoor on Tuesday afternoon after reports that a large quantity of tyres had caught fire.

Two crews from Ely and an engine from Littleport were called at about 1pm to Straight Furlong on the outskirts of the village after reports that a large pile of tyres and general rubbish being stored at a property had gone up in flames.

A thick plume of smoke was seen billowing from the site from several nearby villages including Witchford and Sutton, evoking memories of the fire at Murfitts Industries in Littleport last year. No properties in the area were evacuated.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said that crews tackled the blaze using three hose reels, but said that there had been no call to use chemicals or foam to extinguish the tyres, which are notoriously difficult to tackle due to the extreme temperatures created when they burn.

A railway line running from Cambridge to King's Lynn runs less than 200 metres from the site and a spokesman said that crews constantly monitored the situation to ensure there was no danger to rail passengers or trains.

A thick plume of smoke billows from the site in Pymoor. Photo: HELEN DRAKE.