M11 Fire Today: Cambridgeshire Fire Crews Battle Major Stack Blaze Near Kimbolton

Firefighters are responding to a large stack fire on Stow Road in Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, with thick smoke from the blaze visible across the surrounding area.

The fire has prompted a response from Cambridgeshire fire crews, who are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby vegetation or structures.

Although the fire is on Stow Road rather than directly on the M11 motorway, its proximity to the major route has raised concerns for motorists travelling through the surrounding area.

Large Fire Reported Near the M11

The blaze involves a large stack of material, believed to be hay or straw, on Stow Road in Kimbolton.

Stack fires can present particular challenges for firefighters because the material can remain hot internally even after flames have been brought under control.

Crews may therefore need to break apart the burning material and apply water to individual sections to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Large quantities of smoke have been reported in the vicinity of the fire.

Firefighters Battle the Blaze

Cambridgeshire fire crews are working to control the fire and reduce the risk of it spreading.

Firefighters are also monitoring nearby vegetation and structures as they work through the incident.

The operation may continue for some time because fires involving tightly packed agricultural material can be difficult to extinguish completely.

Residents and motorists in the surrounding area are being urged to keep away from the immediate scene and allow emergency crews room to operate.

Smoke Visible Near the M11

The location of the fire has attracted particular attention because Stow Road is near the M11 corridor.

Smoke from a large outdoor fire can reduce visibility, particularly for drivers travelling on nearby roads.

Motorists approaching the area should therefore exercise additional caution and avoid slowing down unnecessarily to observe the incident.

Drivers should also follow any temporary traffic instructions put in place by emergency or road authorities.

No Major M11 Closure Confirmed

The fire is not being described as a confirmed major accident or fire directly on the M11 motorway.

At the time of writing, there is no confirmed information indicating that the entire M11 has been closed because of the blaze.

However, emergency vehicle movements and smoke in the surrounding area could affect local traffic conditions.

Drivers should remain alert for changing conditions around Kimbolton and nearby routes.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

The cause of the stack fire has not yet been established.

Fire investigators are expected to examine the site once crews have brought the blaze under control and it is safe to conduct a detailed assessment.

Until that investigation is complete, no specific cause should be assumed.

M11 Fire Today — Details

Safety Warning for Residents

People living close to the fire should avoid approaching the scene.

Smoke can travel considerable distances depending on wind direction, and residents who are directly affected by smoke may wish to keep windows and doors closed until conditions improve.

Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing or other serious symptoms should seek appropriate medical assistance.

Fire crews also need clear access to the area, so members of the public should not attempt to enter restricted areas or interfere with the emergency response.

Kimbolton Fire Response Continues

The priority for firefighters is to prevent the blaze from spreading and to extinguish remaining hot spots.

Because stack fires can continue smouldering beneath the surface, crews may remain at the scene even after visible flames have been reduced.

The final duration of the response will depend on the size of the burning material, weather conditions and how effectively firefighters can separate and cool the stack.

M11 Fire Update

The large stack fire on Stow Road has generated significant smoke and prompted a firefighting response in the Kimbolton area.

The incident is close enough to the M11 corridor to be relevant to motorists, although the fire is not confirmed to be directly on the motorway.

At present, there are no confirmed reports of fatalities or serious injuries connected with the blaze.

The cause remains under investigation, and further information may become available once firefighters have completed their work and investigators are able to examine the scene.

Disclaimer

This article is based on preliminary information concerning the reported stack fire on Stow Road in Kimbolton on August 29, 2026. Details concerning the size of the fire, traffic impact, cause, damage and emergency response may change as the incident develops. No fatalities or serious injuries have been confirmed in the information currently available. The reference to the M11 reflects the fire’s proximity to the motorway corridor and does not mean that the fire is located directly on the M11.