A Somerset farmer accidentally set his telehandler on fire after driving too close to a bonfire, according to firefighters.
The Burnham-On-Sea farmer started a controlled bonfire on his land on Tuesday (2 April).
But firefighters were called to the farm just before 4pm after the farmer reported that his machinery caught fire.
Two fire engines were directed to the ‘well alight’ telehandler, which they say was caused by the farmer driving too close to the bonfire.
A Devon and Somerset Fire Service spokesman said: “The fire control received a call from a local farmer advising his telehandler had caught fire in a field at Kingsway, Mark. Two fire engines from our Burnham-On-Sea station were mobilised immediately.”
He added: “On arrival crews confirmed the vehicle was well alight and set to work with one hose reel jet.
“The fire was caused by the farmer driving too close to a controlled bonfire and caused 75% damage to the vehicle. The cause has been returned as accidental.”
During last year's harvest period, farmers claimed £31.5m in compensation due to on-farm fires, compared with £26m in 2017.
