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In pictures: Scale of devastation after Holme Fen fire

Shariqua AhmedPeterborough
PA Media Birds-eye view of the blackened nature reserve, with many acres of woodland burned to the ground.PA Media
The blaze at Holme Fen has been described by Cambridgeshire's fire service as one of its most challenging incidents in decades

Aerial photographs have revealed the scale of devastation at a Cambridgeshire nature reserve that has been on fire for just over a fortnight.

About 100 firefighters, including teams from as far away as Merseyside, were called to tackled the blaze at Holme Fen at its peak, with crews due to remain there until at least mid-September.

Last week, the media was given access to a fully extinguished part of the reserve, to take in how much of the 660-acre (270-hectare) site had been damaged.

While the fire has been controlled, the peat soil in the ground continues to burn, making it particularly difficult to put out.

PA Media Birds-eye view of the damaged and burnt nature reserve. Some clouds of white smoke can be seen in the air, and a spray of water is dousing the ground.PA Media
Fire crews told BBC the first week was "extremely intense", with a 200ft (60m) tree falling every few minutes while they tackled the flames
PA Media Birds-eye view of the damaged and burnt nature reserve. Some clouds of white smoke can be seen in the air.PA Media
Incident commander Wayne Swales said crews were dealing with "fires above ground, fires below ground"
PA Media Birds-eye view of the damaged and burnt nature reserve. Some clouds of white smoke can be seen in the air.PA Media
Holme Fen, south of Peterborough, is managed by Natural England and was home to a variety of wildlife species and 500 types of fungi
PA Media Birds-eye view of the damaged and burnt nature reserve. Some clouds of white smoke can be seen in the air. There is water being sprayed on to the ground, and in the background a train can be seen passing.PA Media
The reserve is next to the East Coast Mainline, but the flames have not spread to the tracks

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