FIRE crews from Newton Abbot were among those called into action during Friday’s ten pump shout at a large grass fire in the Exeter area that brought the A38 to a standstill.

Several fields were well alight and strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly.

Newton Abbot firefighters were initially tasked with protecting nearby properties and preventing the fire from spreading beyond a single field.

Once a fire break was established, crews joined the wider operation to tackle a second fire front.

The A38 was closed for a time between Junction 31 on the M5 and the A379 turn-off at Kennford, with drivers being urged to avoid the area.