Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to a significant fire involving around 100 tons of scrap metal in Glastonbury.

The alert came from an unusual source—a hot air balloonist flying over the area.

Teams from Bridgwater, Glastonbury and Street were dispatched to the scene at 5.55pm on Thursday, September 7. Upon arrival, they found the heap of scrap metal "well alight." The response included five fire engines and an aerial platform ladder, all summoned after receiving the balloonist's call.

Using hose reel jets and compressed air foam jets, the crews managed to extinguish the fire.

The aerial platform ladder was also deployed to dampen the surrounding areas.

Around 40 tons of the scrap metal were damaged in the incident, which is believed to have started accidentally.

The event followed a notably busy period for Street Fire Station, which had responded to six incidents within a span of three days. In a Facebook post, the station disclosed, "It's been a busy few days for the crews at Street with six shouts in three days, ranging from alarms, RTCs (road traffic collisions) and open fires!"

In an official statement, the fire service provided final details: "Fire control mobilised fire appliances from Street and Glastonbury and an aerial platform ladder from Bridgwater. Upon arrival, crews confirmed approximately 100 tons of scrap metal was well alight... Forty tonnes of scrap metal was damaged by fire. This was accidental."