A CAR has been “100 per cent” destroyed by fire near Priddy and Compton Martin, two villages in the Mendip Hills.

Crews from Wells were called to private land south of the village at around 9.07am today (Saturday, September 17).

They put out the fire using breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet and a thermal imaging camera, but the car was completely destroyed.

A Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews from Wells attended a car on fire on private land south of Compton Martin.

“The fire was extinguished using one breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, and one thermal imaging camera.

“The vehicle was 100 per cent damaged by fire.”

Every year, the service helps around 650 people whose vehicle has caught fire. 

Vehicle fires are most likely to start when they are being driven, but the risk can be reduced by keeping up-to-date with services at MOTs.

The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has published information on preventing car fires and steps to take if your vehicle catches fire.