FIRE crews are battling a barn fire with 300 TONNES of hay alight.

Firefighters from Somerton, Yeovil and Martock were sent to the scene, at Yeovilton, after calls from the public at just before 4pm this afternoon (July 3), as well as a water carrier from Yeovil and the incident support unit from Martock.

"Upon arrival, crews confirmed the barn to be well alight with 300 tonnes of hay and a large amount of fertilizer involved in fire," said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

Firefighters worked to protect nearby thatched properties, the spokesperson added, with more crews sent to the scene.

"These crews were sent from Wincanton, Castle Cary, Yeovil and Sherborne," they said.

"A second water carrier was requested which came from Bridgwater, the incident command unit from Street and the welfare unit from Burnham on Sea were also sent."

Crews are still at the scene.