AROUND 15 acres of grassland has been destroyed by a large fire in North Curry, a village around five miles east of Taunton.
The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service was called to the fire shortly before 12pm on Tuesday, August 9, and the operation to tackle the blaze “took two hours to complete”.
The fire service reported that part of the A358 was closed while crews were at the scene. Drivers were later advised to take additional care when using the A-road because of the smoke.
When firefighters were dealing with the incident, a fire service spokesperson said: “We have been called to attend at a large fire in the open in North Curry near Taunton.
“This is a field fire. 10 pumps have been requested to attend as well as our specialised units and all-terrain vehicles.
“Those in the area should keep their windows closed. Please be extra careful on the main road A358 as smoke may drift. Drive slowly.”
Fire crews left the scene around two hours later after extinguishing the fire and confirming the extent of the damage.
The spokesperson said: “The incident took two hours to complete. We left the scene at 1.56pm.
“We don’t have any information on the cause of the fire at present. However, the fire destroyed 15 acres of grassland.”
The fire service later confirmed that the fire was “accidental”.
The spokesperson added: “This was a field measuring 30 acres, which was 50 per cent damaged by fire.”
Fire stations in attendance included Taunton, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Street, Wellington, Yeovil, Castle Cary, Chard, Cheddar, Ilminster, and Martock.
They were supported by several crews from Devon (Colyton, Crediton, Middlemoor, and Clyst St George).
The fire was tackled using beaters, hose reel jets, and foam jets.
On Tuesday night, Taunton Fire Station published several pictures showing the fire and its aftermath.
The fire service has shared wildfire safety advice and tips for preparing for the risk of wildfires on its website.
For more information, visit www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/wildfires.
Read more: Fire crews battle large field fire in North Petherton
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