FIREFIGHTERS spent nearly six hours tackling a blaze on Exmoor after a two-hour struggle to reach the location.

The fire started at around 2pm on Saturday in the Simonsbath area of the moor.

An engine from Lynton was called to the scene alongside a Groundhog and Land Rover from Porlock.

The crew struggled to reach the fire with the specialist equipment due to the location, but eventually reached the blaze.

Somerset County Gazette: The fire at Simonsbath. Pic: Porlock Fire Station

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "The two crews rendezvoused at Brendon Two gates where the Groundhog was deployed to find a safe access route to the fire, we were unable to access the fire from this location, so the incident commander made the decision to move to Larkbarrow Corner, he also requested the attendance of the water bowser, one more fire engine and a further Groundhog.

"Once at the new location crews made their way along moorland tracks at a distance of approximately 3 miles to the fire front. They set into an open water source with the Groundhogs scavenger pump and got to work extinguishing the fire using class A foam.

"It took crews around two hours from time of call to when we began to fight the fire due to its remote location."

Somerset County Gazette: The fire at Simonsbath. Pic: Porlock Fire Station

The fire service has confirmed the blaze started accidentally, but warns those using the area to be 'extremely careful'.

Somerset County Gazette: The fire at Simonsbath. Pic: Porlock Fire Station

The spokesman added: "On this occasion the fire was started accidentally, but please be extremely careful when using the moor in these hot dry conditions.

"Crews returned home at 7.50pm."