NEARLY 15 hectares of Alcombe Common has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue rushed to the countryside location at around 1.30pm today (March 23).

Crews tackled the fire, which they believed to have been started deliberately.

A spokesperson said: "One crew initially mobilised to reports of a fire in the open.

"On arrival the incident commander requested the second engine from Minehead along with our off road 4x4 pump.

"Shortly afterwards a request was made for the water carrier from Bridgwater as a precaution in case larger volumes of water were required.

"Crews tackled the fire on two 100m fronts with beaters initially and then the high pressure fogging unit and compressed air foam.

"Foam was used on one fire front at a fire break to allow the fire to burn naturally into the foam and not spread any further.

"Crews can be seen talking the fire with beaters, laying a foam fire break and the fire burning into the foam.

"Caused was believed to be deliberate due to no controlled burns reported in the area."

Around 10-15 hectares were destroyed by the blaze