THE team at Wellington fire station was among 23 others to support a Minehead garden fire that took hold on Monday, August 25.

Approximately six acres of land has been severely damaged.

At around 2.20pm, emergency services were called to a blaze at North Hill, where a bonfire had spread across a back garden, and the grass and woodland behind.

The flames were fanned by strong winds and the crews battled until nearly midnight to make sure no buildings became involved in the fire.

One fire crew was still on site to help dampen down deep-seated hotspots on Thursday (August 28) morning.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Services said: “This was a fire in woodland involving trees and deep-seated peat fires. Approximately six acres was severely damaged by fire.

“Crews used hose reel jets, main jets, a thermal imaging camera, drone, and other specialist equipment to prevent escalation and protect the environment.

“We used specialist off-road vehicles including a Groundhog and wildfire pump due to the difficult terrain and worked with Exmoor National Park Rangers who used diggers and misting systems to tackle deep-seated hotspots.

“We have one appliance there now dampening down hotpots.”