FIRE crews were in a race against time to extinguish a barn fire of hazardous material.

The fire was reported at 12.07am this morning (Monday) in Broadclyst near Exeter where three engines attended the scene.

Reports state that the barn, which measures 32 metres by 15 metres, contained 20 bags of ammonia nitrate, which led to the Environmental Protection Unit attending the scene to offer guidance.

by 2.45am, a further three engines had been called to the scene to help fight the blaze.