A NUMBER of fire crews from across the area and members of the farming community are currently fighting a fire in a field near Hookway, Crediton.

Firefighters at the Crediton field fire. AQ 6595
Firefighters at the Crediton field fire. AQ 6595 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A fire crew at the scene of the Crediton field fire. AQ 6593
A fire crew at the scene of the Crediton field fire. AQ 6593 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The fire was first spotted just before 5pm and the number of crews is increasing at the scene.

Farmer George Mortimer said he believed that the fire, involving cut straw in a field, was started by a work tractor driving across the field.

Members of his farm staff are currently assisting with the firefighting operation by trying to make a break between the fire and the cut straw.

A fire engine in a further part of the Crediton field. AQ 6576
A fire engine in a further part of the Crediton field. AQ 6576 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A wall of flame in the Crediton field fire. AQ 6583
A wall of flame in the Crediton field fire. AQ 6583 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Fire crews are using hoses and beaters to try to put out the flames.

They are trying to stop the flames setting fire to hedges and an adjoining field of maize.

The fire spreading into the hedge and maize field. AQ 6569
The fire spreading into the hedge and maize field. AQ 6569 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

There has been considerable amounts of smoke along the A377 between Crediton and Newton St Cyres near Ladd’s Computers, and motorists are advised to drive with care.

Further updates as we have them.