An update from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service read: "We were called just after 2.15pm to the central reservation of the A38 at Wobbly Wheel / Pearce’s Hill to tackle two seats of fire in the central reservation.

"Traffic was stopped while this was taking place.

"The fire spread to the adjacent field of cut straw laying crop and the fire eventually affected three fields over an area of 12 acres, five acres and 12 acres respectively towards Little Silver.

"Ten pumping appliances plus special appliances attended the scene and crews used water jets and beaters to extinguish the fire. We now have one appliance and a water carrier there checking for hotpots. Accidental cause."

A separate incident to the fire in the South West has seen a serious crash in Worcestershire involving a lorry and there are delays of 90 minutes with the northbound carriageway closed.

National Highways states: "The M5 in Worcestershire is closed northbound between J5 near Droitwich and J4A (M42) due to a collision involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle which has crashed and stranded across the carriageway.

"Shortly after 3pm National Highways were alerted to a collision involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle on the northbound carriageway. As a result the Heavy Goods Vehicle has also split its fuel tank spilling diesel across all lanes.

"Emergency services are currently on scene being assisted by National Highways Traffic Officers and resources with specialist cleaning equipment has been requested to scene.

"All vehicles caught within the closure have now been released past the scene. Recovery of the involved vehicle is well underway, and an initial inspection of the carriageway is being carried out to assess the damage."

Images from Newton Abbot Fire Station show crews tackling fires in parched fields following the recent heatwave.

Newton Abbot fire station wrote on Facebook: "Crews from Newton Abbot fire station are currently dealing with a large fire in the open in the Exter area involving a number of fields that are well alight intensified by strong winds.

"10 fire appliances are already in attendance with crews anticipated to be on scene for a number of hours. Crews from Newton Abbot were initially tasked with protecting a number of properties and ensuring the fire was pushed back into one of the fields.

"After ensuring a sufficient break was in place, we joined the remaining crews to tackle a fire front in sector two. Our firefighters are currently using hose reel jets, 51 mm attack jets, beaters and firefighting backpacks to try and contain the flames.

"Other crews are battling the blaze across the agricultural land, with further crews actively firefighting along verges on A38. We would like to thank everyone who is currently caught in the tailbacks for your patience whilst the fire is brought under control."

The M5 and A38 were both closed due to fires on the central reservations and embankments but it is reported that they have reopened.

There is heavy traffic in the area with long delays and the fire service remains at the scene.

National Highways says that the M5 in the West Midlands remains closed with delays of an hour after a collision.

It states: "The #M5 remains closed northbound between J5 (#Droitwich) and J4a (#M42) because of a collision. Traffic caught in the closure is being run past the scene in lane 2.

"There are currently delays of up to 60 minutes."

A person stuck in traffic on the M5 says she has been stuck for nearly 30 minutes and "getting nowhere fast".

She wrote on Facebook: "Anyone travelling northbound on M5 please allow extra time. We have been stuck around Kennford for nearly 30 mins so far and getting nowhere fast!

"Police and Fire Engines everywhere, but cant see anything yet. Believe to be a fire on a grass verge Ems tells me.

"Just allow plenty of time . . . Currently now at junction to Marsh Barton off A38/M5 at a stand still."

National Highways says that the M5 is closed northbound in the West Midlands due to a large diesel spill following a crash.

The agency states: "The #M5 is closed northbound between J5 (#Droitwich) and J4a (#M42) following a collision, resulting in a large diesel spill covering all lanes.

"Emergency services are on scene. There are currently delays of up to 45 minutes above normal journey time."

National Highways has said that there are grass fires at two locations on the A38.

Responding to an enquiry about why traffic was stationary on the road, National Highways replied on X: There is a grass fire in 2 locations on the A38 which caused Police to stop traffic.

"The southbound side has now been released. We will issue an update shortly. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any timeframes for this currently."

Smoke can be seen rising from the grass fires(Image: Paul Greaves/DevonLive)

A map shows the roads affected near Exeter following a fire which is causing major delays for motorists.

Roads affected near Exeter(Image: Paul Greaves/DevonLive)

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at a fire in fields close to the A38 at Kennford after being called at around 2.20pm on Friday 3 July.

"Local road closures have been put in place in the area. More updates when we have them."

Another eye witness has told Devon Live the A38 has been shut and police were on the scene.

They added that they saw three fire engines heading towards the scene and another one parked on the carriage heading in the Newton Abott.

They added: "It looks like the whole field behind the bank is on fire. There's also loads of little fires in the central reservation"