ARSONISTS have struck for the third time in a month in the Withypool and Holford areas, leading to the destruction of hundreds of acres of heath and moorland.

In the latest incidents last Friday almost 400 acres went up in smoke at Brightworthy Barrows, Withypool, while around 35 acres was lost on Holford Common.

The fires started within ten minutes of each other, stretching fire crews to the limit.

Firefighters called for more back-up as they were on their way to the first incident at Withypool just after 2pm after seeing the scale of the blaze from a distance.

They immediately requested the Supercat all terrain vehicle and ensured there were a total of three engines, with crews fighting the fire with beaters and Brendon pumps.

But by 3.30pm more manpower was needed and a further two engines were despatched to the scene.

At about 6.15pm, crews were working on two fronts of 500 metres of fire, using a range of specialist equipment and a Pinzgauer, another multi-terrain off-road vehicle.

Crews from Dulverton, South Molton, Bampton, Minehead and Porlock were drafted in to tackle the incident.

Minehead firefighters were also called out to Holford, along with crews from Nether Stowey, Williton, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Street, Glastonbury and Cheddar.

In all, a total of six engines, five Brendon pumps eight hose reel jets and a five-seater LandRover to transport personnel to the scene of the fire were involved in fighting the blaze.

Initially, just ten acres of high gorse was alight but heavy winds caused the fire to spread, eventually trebling the acreage affected.

A spokesman for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it was believed both fires had been started deliberately.

Last week more than 60 acres of heath and moorland were destroyed in the Withypool and Holford areas and in March, a further 40 acres were also lost.

All the incident are believed to be the work of arsonists.

And the fire service arson reduction manager George Setter said: "These fires put the lives of the public and fire crews at risk, keeping fire fighters from attending genuine emergencies. 

"They also scar the beautiful landscape and wildlife habitats which come alive at this time of year. "