FIREFIGHTERS believe a huge blaze involving 200 tonnes of straw near Caversham earlier this week was started deliberately.

Smoke could be seen billowing from Shiplake at around 9pm on Wednesday evening (August 18) as crews fought to put out the field fire on the Henley Road.

READ MORE: Reading man spared jail despite wasting police time

Personnel from Didcot Fire Station, Wallingford Fire Station, Watlington Fire Station were assisted by crews from Reading and Bracknell in helping to put out the blaze.

Reading Chronicle:

Firefighters worked through the night until 9.30am to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby property.

READ MORE: The longest driving bans handed to Berkshire drivers

Reading Chronicle:

The Oxford Fire and Rescue Service said they believed the fire, which involved 200 tonnes of straw, was believed to be arson and the landowner is working with Thames Valley Police to determine the cause of the blaze.