THE peace in the Bishops Lydeard area was disturbed by a "huge explosion" yesterday afternoon (Thursday, April 11).

Two fire engines from Taunton and a water carrier from Bridgwater, were sent to a report of a combine harvester on fire in a field of elephant grass off Fennington Lane near Kingston St Mary.

On arrival the crews found the combine harvester already up in flames, with approximately 150 metres of grass also involved in the blaze.

A third fire engine from Bridgwater was also requested to attend for extra personnel.

Crews extinguished the fire using two breathing apparatus, three hose reel jets and one foam jet. The combine harvester was totally destroyed by fire and approximately five acres of elephant grass and stubble. 

Mike Rigby, who was out canvassing for the local election in Darby Way heard a massive bang followed by a plume of black smoke yesterday afternoon.

He said: "There was a huge explosion.

"I was chatting to people on a lawn and there was an almighty bang. It sounded like the Commandos assault at the end of the Yeovilton Air Show.

"It was a single explosion followed by a huge plume of smoke."

Mr Rigby believes the location of the incident is probably between Fennington and Kingston St Mary.