Tractor fire on A381 in Devon

Dramatic photos show the challenging situation for fire crews as the tractor burned on the A381 between Malborough and Salcombe.

The road was closed as firefighters from Salcombe, Greenbank and Plympton tackled the flames.

Just before 3pm crews were mobilised by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to the tractor on fire with the trailer it was towing not involved at that point.

Making their way to the scene, the crews could see a large plume of thick acrid black smoke.

Once at the scene, they saw that the tractor was well alight, with the driver well clear.

Firefighters swiftly set to work with two hose-reel jets to initially attack the fire defensively, to reduce the spread of the fire to surrounding hedgerows and field crops.

They then used four breathing apparatus sets, one compressed air foam system (CAFS) main jet and a further hose-reel jet to fully attack the tractor covered in flames.

Once the foam system was in operation crews quickly surrounded and extinguished the fire preventing spread to surrounding hedges and fields.

A spokesperson for Kingsbridge Fire Station said: "The extremely hot weather made for arduous working conditions in the afternoon sun and we would like to make a special thank you to both an off duty crew member from Modbury Fire Station and Co-op for bringing us supplies of drinking water and some sugary snacks."

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Vehicle recovery was carried out but the road was closed for hours while the Highways Agency cleaned the road of fuel and assessed the damage to the asphalt.