FOUR fire engines and a telehandler from Exeter urban search and rescue team were sent to a smouldering dung heap in Sandhill Lane, Withycombe, at 11.06am today (Thursday).

An environment agency representative was also in attendance due to environmental concerns and to advise crews accordingly.

A local farmer also stepped in to assist wit a digger and bucket.

The first two fire crews, from Williton, got to work using a compressed air foam jet and drag forks.

Because of the size of the dung heap – 30 by ten metres – two more pumps were called for and these were sent from Minehead.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said the incident was “protracted”, and a welfare unit from Burnham-on-Sea attended to provide refreshments for fire crews.