FIVE hundred tonnes of hay, situated close to two barns, caught fire yesterday afternoon (September 16).

Eight fire crews attended the incident in Ash, Somerset around 3.30pm.

The hay was near two other barns, one which contained cattle, another which has 300 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, 300 tonnes of hay and 300 tonnes of grain inside.

There was also a tank containing 10,000L of diesel nearby.

Crews from Burnham-on-Sea, Street, Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Martock and Somerton attended the blaze.

"At 5.30pm, all fire crews had left the scene and the incident was left with the farmer," said a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue.

"One crew will attend this morning to make sure the fire is still under control.

"The cause of the fire has been established as accidental.

"Crews used hose reel jets, light portable pumps and safety jets to extinguish the fire."

Chard & Ilminster News: BLAZE: Haystack fire in Ash, Somerset. Pic: Somerton Fire Station