Flames damage overhead power line

Flames from a burning furniture store at a farm damaged overhead electricity cables, cutting off power to dozens of homes in Bedfordshire on Thursday.

Fire crews called to Kennels Farm at Colmworth were prevented from using water to douse the flames until the electricity supply had been isolated.

The fire was also threatening to spread to a barn where petrol was stored.

Crews from Beds and Cambs took less than two hours to isolate electricity, contain the fire and restore power.

"There were a number of issues to deal with - but thanks to some great team work between Beds and Cambs and the electricity company we minimised the damage and impact," said station commander Wayne Stringer.

Crews from Sandy, Bedford and Kempston attended the blaze at Kennels Farm on the Honeydon Road, Colmworth, just before 0530 BST, together with two crews from Cambs fire and rescue service.