RAF fire engine in flames last night (Thurs)

Newbury and Hungerford fire crews tackled blaze on M4 until after 10pm and residents witnessed a large "ball of smoke"

A ROYAL Air Force fire engine caught fire on the M4 yesterday (Thursday) evening.

The fire brigade were called to the incident on the westbound carriageway, between junctions 13 (Chieveley) and 14 (Hungerford), just before 8.30pm.

Four firefighters from Hungerford and Newbury tackled the fire wearing breathing masks.

A crew from Dee Road fire station in Tilehurst also attended.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswomen, Nicole Targett, said that the brigade had received many calls from people who described seeing a large "ball of smoke".

She said the fire was fierce, as firefighters had to use foam to extinguish the flames as it was a diesel vehicle.

The final pump left the scene at 10.46pm, by which time additional lighting had been set up.

The carriageway was closed for about an hour.

Lane three re-opened at 9.50pm, lane two re-opened shortly afterwards and lane one re-opened a while afterwards.