FIREFIGHTERS tackled a rapidly spreading grass fire beside the main railway line behind Newton Abbot Racecourse last night (Monday, July 20).

The incident was the third callout of the day for a crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station, which was mobilised just before training drills were due to begin.

On arrival, firefighters found flames spreading through hedgerows and dry grass.

A second fire engine from Newton Abbot and a water bowser from Torquay Fire Station were called to assist.

Working alongside Network Rail’s Rail Incident Officer, the Incident Commander closed the line to protect passengers and emergency crews.

The blaze was extinguished using hose reel jets and beaters.