A BARN fire which caused plumes of black smoke visible across Taunton and beyond has been put out.

Firefighters were called to a 'small fire' that was out of control in Poundisford Road, outside Taunton, at 8.45pm on Monday night (June 1).

On arriving, a crew from Taunton requested a further five teams be sent as a barn was well alight.

Second and third crews were sent from Taunton, Cullompton, along with two from Wellington, Bridgwater, the water carrier from Bridgwater, the incident command unit from Wiveliscombe and the welfare unit from Crediton.

"This was a single storey barn, 40m by 8m, constructed of timber and sheet asbestos containing vehicles," a Devon and Somerset Fire and Service spokesperson said.

"Vehicles also outside the building on fire. Crews got to work with two hose reel jets and one main jet awaiting the back up crews."

The building is believed to have contained around 20 vehicles and vehicle parts.

At around 2am, more than five hours after the initial call, firefighters had extinguished the blaze, the spokesperson added.

The barn was completely destroyed, they added, with a crew due to attend today to inspect the scene.

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