CREWS have been tackling 30 straw bale fires in a field in Botley yesterday evening.

The smoke from the field fires caused a "major hazard" to drivers on the nearby Eynsham Road between Botley and Farmoor.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called at around 5.30pm to reports of numerous fires and found around 30 straw bales had been all set on fire seperately.

Incident Commander station manager Gary D’Anger said: “Whilst the likelihood of fire spreading beyond the field was unlikely due to the cold and damp conditions, these fires did cause a significant hazard to traffic using the B4044.

"This road is particularly busy during the rush hour and the potential for a road traffic collision caused by the dense smoke was always a possibilit.

"Fortunately, our crews were on scene very quickly and we were able to deploy firefighters with specialist equipment to extinguish the blaze quickly and safely to prevent fire spread and avoid any unnecessary disruption”

Fire crews were sent from Rewley Road Fire Station, Wantage Fire Station and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.