TINDER dry conditions saw a fire in a garden spread to four other gardens in Newton Abbot.

Fire crews from Newton Abbot were called to an address in Milber following reports of a fire in the open.

Huge amounts of smoke could be seen billowing into the air from as far away as Newton Abbot fire station.

The large fire engulfed one entire garden and a shed and lengths of hedgerow.

And it had already spread to four neighbouring gardens.

Fire damaged garden in Milber. Photo Newton Abbot fire station
Fire damaged garden in Milber. Photo Newton Abbot fire station (,MDA )

Before even arriving at the scene, the officer in charge decided to call in an additional fire crew.

A spokesman for Newton Abbot fire station said: ‘Upon our arrival it was clear this was the correct decision as crews discovered a large fire which had already engulfed one garden along with a shed and hedgerows.

‘It was also evident that the flames had already spread into four separate gardens and were beginning to catch a garage alight.

Smoke from the garden fire in Milber could be seen from miles away. Photo Newton Abbot fire station
Smoke from the garden fire in Milber could be seen from miles away. Photo Newton Abbot fire station (MDA )

‘Crews from Newton Abbot and Torquay fire stations quickly committed into the fire whilst wearing breathing apparatus under the instruction from the Incident Commander.

'They took with them a variety of 51mm attack jets and hose reels to tackle the fire.

‘Before long, the crews managed to contain the spread and fully extinguish the fire before it had a chance to inflict more damage.

‘Crews returned to "home station” but with the dry conditions still continuing, none of us imagine it will be for long.’