Fire crews from across the area were sent to a major outdoor fire near Priddy on Friday evening as the response was ramped up to 10 pumping appliances.

The incident was first reported at 5.47 pm on Friday, 20 March 2026, as a make pumps six message for a fire in the open in the Priddy area. As the scale of the blaze became clear, more resources were sent in, with fire engines and specialist support drafted from across Somerset and beyond.

The fire was listed as a large outdoor incident in the Chewton Mendip area. Stations attending included Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Street, Castle Cary, Cheddar, Martock, Bridgwater, Wincanton, Honiton and Clyst St George.

For local crews, it was a long and demanding job, with firefighters only returning home after tackling the blaze deep into the night.

The fire service has not confirmed the cause of the incident.

Wildfires and large open-air fires can spread fast in dry countryside, putting pressure on already stretched emergency crews and leaving fewer appliances available for other call-outs. Fire chiefs are continuing to urge people heading into rural areas to avoid barbecues, open flames and discarded cigarettes.

People out in the countryside are also being reminded to call 999 immediately if they spot a fire, get to a place of safety and give the clearest location possible.

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