Drone footage shows the massive extent of the damage caused by yesterday’s crop fire between Knebworth and Stevenage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgy7gy5sff0

Mark West, who shot the footage, said the scale of the damage had “definitely surprised” him.

“There is a large valley in the middle of that part of the field which kind of hid some of the damage to the eye,” he told this paper.

The Comet: The fire near Knebworth. Picture: SmartapixThe fire near Knebworth. Picture: Smartapix (Image: Archant)

“With the drone it shows up just how big of an area was actually lost.

“The fire managed to scorch a few of the trees that run alongside the railway tracks too – so potentially it could have been a lot worse if it weren’t for the swift action of the fire service.”

The Comet: The fire near Knebworth. Picture: SmartapixThe fire near Knebworth. Picture: Smartapix (Image: Archant)

Five fire engines – two from Stevenage and one each from Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City and Baldock & Letchworth stations – were at the scene as firefighters tackled the blaze with hosereels and beaters. Police officers are also there.

The Comet: The fire near Knebworth. Picture: SmartapixThe fire near Knebworth. Picture: Smartapix (Image: Archant)

The Comet: The blaze near Knebworth, south of Stevenage. Picture: Gary SandersonThe blaze near Knebworth, south of Stevenage. Picture: Gary Sanderson (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Smoke coming from the fire south of Stevenage. Picture: Phill RobertSmoke coming from the fire south of Stevenage. Picture: Phill Robert (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Smoke coming from the fire south of Stevenage. Picture: Phill RobertSmoke coming from the fire south of Stevenage. Picture: Phill Robert (Image: Archant)