WELLINGTON fire crews were seen racing to reports of a car fire on the M5 on Thursday afternoon (June 20).

At 1.22pm fire control was alerted to a vehicle on fire near Wellington, between junctions 25 and 26 on the motorway.

Shortly afterwards two fire engines were seen driving through High Street with their sirens on, heading toward the scene.

However, on arrival, fire fighters discovered the call had been a false alarm. The vehicle had a blown engine, and it appears the resulting smoke was mistaken as a large blaze.

In a brief statement a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: “We were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the hard shoulder between junctions 25 and 26 on the M5, near Taunton Deane Services. Both appliances from Wellington Fire Station were dispatched but on arrival it was determined to be a false alarm and just a blown engine so no action was required from crews.”