TEN fire crews battled a wall of fire that broke out across fields near a Totnes farm last Thursday (August 12).

Crews were called to the scene near Bourton Farm at around midday after flames spread across several fields.

Totnes firefighters were among those who attended and a spokesman said Devon Fire and Rescue Service had been alerted by a driver who had seen smoke in the distance.

He described the blaze as a “very big fire” that had spread across some 23 acres of grassland and corn fields.

Two water bowsers, two all-terrain vehicles and three fogging units along with a drone to identify hot spots were used in the battle to douse the fire.

On its Facebook page, Totnes Fire Service wrote: “In total we used two all terrain vehicles, two water bowsers, three 4x4 vehicles with fogging units along with a drone to identify hot spots and aid in our situational awareness, with multiple crews and relief crews from across Devon to make sure it was out properly - including a revisit from us at 4.30am.

“The farmer assisted us throughout the incident by ploughing fire breaks into the fields and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary assisted with access through their property and provided much needed refreshments.

“A big thank you to Iain Wylie and Jen Abbott from everyone on the incident!

“A very hot and hard job where everyone worked to the best of their ability in blistering heat. Please take care in this heat.”