FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze involving a large pile of tyres near Newton Abbot last night.

The alarm was raised at 10.30pm at East Ogwell, and two appliances from Newton Abbot fire station were sent to the scene.

Whe the crews arrived at the scene they found a large quantity of tyres well alight on open ground.

The officer in charge of the incident requested further resources and the water bowser from Torquay fire station was also sent.

A large quantity of scrap tyres and salvage were involved in the fire, and the crews used two main jets, two hose reel jets and the water bowser to supplement a water supply from a nearby hydrant.

A mechanical digger was also used to turn over any hot spots which were then damped down.