Axminster: Barn burnt down in fire started by children playing with matches

A barn between Axminster and Chard was burnt down in an accidental fire started by children playing with matches.

Crews from Colyton, Chard, Charmouth and Lyme Regis attended the blaze over the weekend.

The barn could not be saved but crews damped down the surrounding areas to prevent the fire from spreading further. 

A spokesperson from Colyton Fire Station said: "This fire was accidentally caused by children playing with matches. Most children have a natural curiosity about fire which can show in little ones as young as two years old. However, sometimes, this interest in fire can escalate and develop into something more serious.

"Always keep lighters and matches out of reach of children and teach them about the effect that starting fires can have on themselves and others."

For more advice on young people and fire, visit www.dsfire.gov.uk/education/fire-starting-behaviour-young-children