UPDATE: Firefighters Douse Exeter Brush Fire

UPDATE, 4 p.m.

Firefighters from Exeter and several surrounding communities doused a brush fire about an acre in size at the Exeter Sportsman's Club this afternoon.

Crews just cleared the scene. Firefighters from Exeter, Newfields, East Kingston, and Hampton Falls helped fight the flames.

The fire was exacerbated by hot, dry conditions and a stiff breeze.

The cause was immediately unclear.

PREVIOUS STORY, 2:45 p.m.

Firefighters from Exeter and several neighboring communities are at the scene of a large brush fire off Portsmouth Avenue.

The blaze was first reported around 2:20 this afternoon in the area of the Exeter Sportsman's Club. According to emergency radio broadcasts, there is a large area of grass and brush burning.

Kensington and Newfields firefighters have also been called to the scene. The fire is believed to be about an acre in size, and the cause is unknown.

Today was originally declared a Class 4 fire danger day, but has now been updated to a Class 5 day, with a red flag warning.

Exeter Patch will have more on this story as it develops.