A YORK farmer has thanked colleagues and friends who leapt into action to fight a fire that was sweeping across his land.
Russell Wagstaff, of Wagstaff Farm in Sutton-on-the-Forest, spoke to The Press today from the fields close to Askham Lane and Moor Lane in Woodthorpe, where he was in his combine harvester clearing up the remains of the fire which hit the site on Sunday (July 12).
North Yorkshire Police said two teenage girls arrested on Monday (July 13) on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident have been released under investigation whilst its enquiries continue.
As reported in The Press, thanks to the quick thinking of family friend Jay Loft and Cameron Barton, a fire-break was created in the field and Russell estimated around 15 acres of his land was spared.
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However, he estimated the cost of the damage will run into the "tens of thousands" of pounds.
Russell also paid tribute to local farmers who he contacted as he made the journey from his home on Sunday afternoon.
He said: "Jay contacted us as we saw the smoke from home and we’re so grateful for his quick thinking.
"We contacted John Sykes and Steven Beckett – both local farmers – who helped and also sent a water bowser to the fields.
"It was a great effort from the farming community, bringing everybody together, especially as times are tough at the moment and prices are not good.
"As I was making my way there on Sunday the hope was that everyone was safe and that the fire was not spreading to homes.
"It would be nice to have an apology from whoever did this."
Russell said he will be able to tidy the field up and prepare for replanting in September, as part of the 3,000 acres he farms in Woodthorpe, and this has never happened on the farm before.
He also wanted to thank North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, saying: "They are doing a brilliant job and I want to extend a big thanks to all of them."
Russell said he has tickets for Wednesday's Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate and still plans to attend, saying he’s hoping he will be able to put the weekend’s drama out of his mind.
