FIRE crews have been out in Withycombe tackling a large dung heap fire on a farm.

Crews from Williton and Burnham-On-Sea attended the scene on Sandhill Lane just after 11am today (Thursday, May 11).

The fire engine was sent from Williton and the telehandler was sent from our urban search and rescue team in Exeter.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Crews confirmed that this was a large dung heap measuring 30 meters x 10 meters smouldering and got to work using a compressed air foam jet and drag forks to try and extinguish it. 

"A further two pumps were requested to attend and assist with this incident due to the size of the fire, these were sent from Minehead and once they arrived it was confirmed that crews were using a total of four main jets dampening down the heap.

"A welfare unit from Burnham-On-Sea has been in attendance to provide refreshments for fire crews. The incident is going to be protracted and the crews are being assisted by a local farmer with a digger and bucket.

"An environment agency representative is in attendance due to environmental concerns and to advise crews accordingly."