Drone photographs have shown the extent of damage left behind after a major agricultural fire in Oxfordshire that took emergency crews approximately eight hours to bring under control.
Firefighters were dispatched to tackle the blaze in a field covering roughly 100 acres in Aston Tirrold, close to Cholsey, at around 1.30pm on Monday, July 6.
Witnesses reported seeing flames spreading rapidly through the crops while a thick column of smoke was visible from more than 30 miles distance.
Local resident Sandra Reed-Jennings told observers the situation felt alarming. She mentioned that electricity supplies were interrupted at approximately 5pm for several hours because of the fire.
A construction worker in the area noted that the smoke conditions were extremely severe and that numerous fire appliances arrived at the scene.
Landscape photographer and licensed drone pilot Hedley Thorne captured images of the charred agricultural land following the incident, which was brought under control on Monday night.
The dramatic photographs showing the scorched terrain in the vicinity of Lollingdon Hill were shared to illustrate the devastation caused by the flames.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed on Tuesday morning that crews had departed the location at 9.20pm on Monday after successfully dealing with the incident.
Emergency teams had reduced their presence from 14 fire engines to 4 by 6pm the previous afternoon.
The origin of the blaze remains under investigation but authorities believe there is no indication of anything suspicious.
The fire service had released guidance about seasonal risks shortly before attending the incident, citing the prolonged spell of warm, dry conditions affecting the county.
Residents are being urged to exercise caution in rural areas given that parched vegetation and crops can ignite easily, which includes refraining from using disposable grills, taking all litter away with them and discarding cigarette ends properly.