Dramatic pictures of huge combine fire in Somerset countryside

A huge explosion was heard for miles around after a combine harvester caught fire at around 4.20pm on Thursday afternoon.

And a thick black plume of smoke was sent up scores of metres high into the sky.

Fire crews raced to the scene in Fennington Lane, Kingston St Mary, a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

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"Two Fire Engines from Taunton and a Water Carrier from Bridgwater, were mobilised to a report of a Harvester on fire in a field of Elephant Grass," the spokesperson said.

"On arrival crews confirmed the Harvester was well alight and the fire also involved approximately 150 metres of Elephant Grass and stubble.

"A third Fire Engine from Bridgwater was also requested to attend for extra personnel."

The harvester was totally destroyed by the fire, as well as five acres of Elephant Grass and stubble.