Cambridge Independent Press 6 Aug 1887: Barley field fire

The village of Trumpington was this (Friday) morning the scene of an extraordinary and somewhat serious conflagration. A field of barley, situate near the L. and N. W. Railway, was set on fire by some sparks from a passing engine. The outbreak was discovered by Mr. Coleman, of Cambridge, who with great promptitude and presence of mind drove to the office of the captain of the Cambridge Fire Brigade (Mr. Algernon J. Lyon) and informed him of what he had seen. These two gentlemen at once rode to the scene of the fire. The field – which adjoins the farm managed by the executors of the late Mr. (Samuel) Witt, to whom the barley belonged – consisted of forty-two acres of grain mentioned, about 38 acres of which were destroyed. The crop, however, is, we understand, a light one. It is estimated that the barley is worth £7 or £8 per acre. The fire caused a great deal of uneasiness amongst the inhabitants of the village in consequence of there being some valuable buildings within about 30 yards of the field. Fortunately, the fire died out somewhat quickly, and, beyond the destruction of the barley, no damage ensued. Curiously enough, a similar fire commenced in the same field a week ago, but was speedily extinguished.