A TRACTOR has been destroyed in a fire on the A30 near Chard and Cricket St Thomas this morning.

The A30 between Chard and Crewkerne has now re-opened following the fire, which took place near the Windwhistle Inn. 

The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has confirmed a trailer and some hedgerow were also damaged in the blaze.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.05am to a tractor on fire. We sent three fire appliances and a water carrier and extinguished the fire using hose reel jets.

“The tractor was destroyed by fire and the trailer was partially damaged. An area of hedgerow was also damaged in the fire, which started accidentally.”

At around 9:50am, Avon and Somerset Police made the public aware of the incident and asked drivers to avoid the A30 in the area. 

A police spokesperson for South Somerset tweeted: “We are currently dealing with a tractor fire on the A30 just outside of the Windwhistle Pub.

“One lane of traffic is being opened and closed. But this may become closed for a long time, due to recovery vehicles blocking the road.

“Please avoid this road as there may be delays.”

The A30 was blocked outside the pub by the tractor, which has now been recovered.

The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service helps around 650 people who vehicle has caught fire per year.