FIREFIGHTERS were unable to put out an electrical fire until workers from an energy company arrived this morning (Monday).

Crews were called to reports of smoke issuing from a fuse box in a socially rented home in Humphreys Road, Wellington, half an hour after midnight.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Despite the extreme weather conditions crews arrived on scene quickly, confirming a small amount of electric cable from the fuse box was on fire.

"The fire was contained to this area, however, crews were unable to safely and fully extinguish it until the arrival of the electricity board, who were requested to attend to isolate the main feed into the property.

"Crews used a carbon dioxide extinguisher until their arrival, whereby the power supply was isolated and the damaged cable removed and replaced.

"Once crews were satisfied that the fire was extinguished and the area made safe, duty of care was left with the occupant.

"There were no injuries and damage was confined to the cabling and fuse box only."