AROUND 1,000 bales of hay caught fire prompting an emergency response.

Firefighters from Somerton and Yeovil, along with the water carrier, were sent to Thorney, Langport, at just after 2pm on Thursday afternoon (January 16).

"On arrival crews confirmed there was a fire in the middle of approximately 1,000 hay bales and got to work trying to extinguish the fire using an attack jet," said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

"A further two fire engines were requested to attend along with an aerial ladder platform. These were sent from Martock, Ilminster and Yeovil.

Crews set to work using four attack jets, a ladder and a thermal image camera, with a water shuttle in operation using the water carrier and fire engines.

"On site farmers were also assisting our crews removing unaffected hay bales using tractors," the spokesperson added.