A farmer has praised firefighters after crews from multiple fire stations around the South West spent Monday night battling a massive blaze that had broken out in a field near Marlborough. 

The fire - which land owner and farmer Suzie Swanton says was a machinery fire caused by a flint against metal - was in a spring barley field in West Overton.

The plumes could be seen from as far as Swindon and Marlborough after it had broken out at 6.32pm on Monday evening, causing alarm among locals. 

Suzie also revealed she was on the ground in an effort to save her 170 acres of barley crops as well as her livery horses and farm animals from the rapidly growing inferno. 

Read more: Fire service issue update after huge blaze breaks out in field

In a post she made on social media after the fire had been put out, Suzie also thanked the efforts of all of the strangers and members of the public who rushed to her aid.

Swindon Advertiser: Suzie's cows moved safely away from the fire Photo: Suzie SwantonSuzie's cows moved safely away from the fire Photo: Suzie Swanton

She said: "It is a very humbling experience to fight alongside 10 fire crews and their support and a huge number of amazing neighbours who came rushing to our aid with cultivators, sprayers, whatever they could bring.

"A wonderful man who I have never met before stayed long into the night to cultivate a belt-and-braces break around the extinguished zone. I will be finding him to thank him.

"To all of you who came - I am more thankful than I can express.

"We cannot thank the fire service enough. They were amazing and professional and despite the huge size of the fire, they got it under control. I tried to thank them all, but if you happen to know any of them - please pass on our heartfelt gratitude."

Suzie confirmed that no one was hurt by the blaze and they were able to get all of the livestock out of nearby buildings.

Swindon Advertiser: Fire crews at the scene Photo: Stratton St Margaret Fire StationFire crews at the scene Photo: Stratton St Margaret Fire Station

She then explained the terrifying moment that the fire started and quickly became out of control. 

"This was a machinery fire, probably due to a flint against metal. All it takes is one spark - we desperately need rain, we have seen almost nothing for months," she said.

"The precautions were there, water was on site - extinguishers on all the tractors and the combine- but the speed and heat of this tore away in seconds in the desperately dry conditions- try as we might we were powerless to stop it until the fire services arrived.

"The harvest crew fought tirelessly against an impossible battle, they did everything they could."