FALLEN power cables brought down by high winds are thought to have started a fire which destroyed 40 tonnes of logs in Worcestershire.

Firefighters were called to the blaze opposite the army surplus store on the A422 Alcester Road in Flyford Flavell at about 8.30am yesterday.

Crews from Worcester and Droitwich attended, along with a water carrier from Evesham, and found a two metre high pile of logs measuring 3m x 20m alight.

The road was closed and a diversion put in place because the fire had broken out near to a sharp bend and was causing heavy smoke.

Western Power were also called to isolate the electricity supply to the cables, affecting nearby homes for a short time.

A local farmer used his tractor to help crews get to the centre of the blaze, which was brought under control by about 11.30am.

No one was injured but about 40 tonnes of logs were destroyed. Fire crews were still damping down at the scene throughout the afternoon to ensure no further outbreaks occurred. Station commander Daryl Justice, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s likely that the fire started when overhead cables were brought down during this morning’s high winds.

“While we were able to get the fire under control very quickly, the incident has caused some disruption in the local area.”

He added: “A substantial quantity of logs has been destroyed in the fire but this could have been worse still without the help of a local farmer who used his tractor unit to remove some of the logs, letting firefighters reach the seat of the blaze more effectively.”