Newton Abbot fire station said: “Crews from Newton Abbot fire station are currently dealing with a large fire in the open in the Exter area involving a number of fields that are well alight intensified by strong winds.
“10 fire appliances are already in attendance with crews anticipated to be on scene for a number of hours. Crews from Newton Abbot were initially tasked with protecting a number of properties and ensuring the fire was pushed back into one of the fields.
“After ensuring a sufficient break was in place, we joined the remaining crews to tackle a fire front in sector two. Our firefighters are currently using hose reel jets, 51 mm attack jets, beaters and firefighting backpacks to try and contain the flames.
“Other crews are battling the blaze across the agricultural land, with further crews actively firefighting along verges on A38. We would like to thank everyone who is currently caught in the tailbacks for your patience whilst the fire is brought under control.”