FIREFIGHTERS from Dawlish and Newton Abbot were among crews who tackled a vehicle blaze on the M5 this afternoon (Sunday, August 21).

The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service control room received numerous 999 calls reporting a large lorry on fire on the northbound carriageway of the motorway on the approach to Junction 30 just after 2.30pm.

A spokesman for D&SFRS said: ‘On arrival the lorry was well alight. Four pumps, a water carrier and an environmental protection unit were at the scene with crews tackling the fire using breathing apparatus, hose reels jest and foam jets.

Police also attended the scene and the north-bound M5 was closed to traffic from Junction 31 as the emergency services dealt with the incident. This has lead to long delays in the area with queues backing up on both the A30 and A38 as drivers seek alternative routes.

As of 6pm one lane of the motorway was re-opened to allow traffic to clear but there are still severe delays and congestion in the area.