Serious lorry fire sparks major response and closure of A303

The incident began at around 8.45pm on the A303 near Yarcombe and involved an articulated lorry carrying a full load of hay that caught fire.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service mobilised crews from 13 stations across Devon and Somerset to tackle the blaze, which spread to surrounding woodland.

The HGV was destroyed by the flames. (Image: Chard Fire Station)

A spokesman for Chard Fire Station said: "On Monday evening, both of Chard’s appliances alongside a Water Carrier from Yeovil were mobilised to reports of an articulated lorry carrying a full load of hay on fire.

"While en route, following multiple 999 calls and reports of a large smoke plume, Control swiftly escalated the response to three pumping appliances.

"Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with a heavy fire involving a fully loaded lorry on the carriageway, well alight.

"Crews immediately got to work wearing Breathing Apparatus (BA), deploying hose reel jets and 51mm main attack jets to tackle the intense heat and flames."

The HGV was carrying hay at the time it caught on fire. (Image: Chard Fire Station)

As the situation escalated, the incident commander requested a total of six fire engines and an environmental protection unit.

Firefighters worked through the night in challenging conditions, using breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, drag forks to break down tightly packed hay bales, and thermal imaging cameras to locate hotspots.

The fire required hours of intense effort before crews were able to gain control.

A Wellington Fire Station spokesperson said: "The shouts continue.

"70P1 were mobilised as a relief crew to a lorry fire carrying bales on the A303 near Chard and Upottery.

"We were base pump, supplying the incident with a further three crews turning over. There may be some delays this morning due to road closures."

Photos of the smoke issuing from the fire. (Image: National Highways)

National Highways confirmed that the A303 remains closed in both directions between the A358 at Ilminster and the A30 at Upottery while emergency services responded.

A spokesman for National Highways said: "The A303 both ways between A358 Ilminster and the A30 Upottery remains closed after an earlier collision involving a hay-laden HGV, which caught fire and spread to the verge.

"The road is likely to remain closed for some time."

Dramatic photos capture the blaze that has resulted in the closure of the A303. (Image: Chard Fire Station)

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that equipment used at the scene included six breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, and one 45ml jet.

The spokesman said fire crews from Axminster, Colyton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Clyst St George, Taunton, Wellington, Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster and Martock tackled the blaze.

The HGV was left significantly damaged by the blaze.

Road closure near Southfields roundabout. (Image: Newsquest)

According to the fire service, a nearby farmer assisted crews in preventing further spread of the fire.

The public has been reminded that hay and straw fires can produce extreme heat and large volumes of smoke.

The fire service has advised anyone living downwind to keep doors and windows closed.

Drivers were also urged to allow extra time for travel in the area.