FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze at Musgrove Park Hospital after a machine left on overnight caught on fire. 

One engine from Taunton and two from Wellington were called to the hospital at around 6.16am this morning after the fire in the endoscopy unit. 

A spokeman from Musgrove says although there will be a reduced service today, patients should still turn up to their appointments unless they are told otherwise. 

The hospital spokesman added: “There was a small fire overnight in an area of our endoscopy department that has electrically operated sterilising equipment.

“Devon and Somerset Fire Service were in attendance and the fire was completely contained within the equipment. There was no other fire damage.

“As a result we will have a reduced service today and are currently reviewing our service for next week.

“Patients who have an appointment should turn up as planned unless we contact them directly.”

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Fire control immediately mobilised one fire appliance from Taunton, two fire appliances from Wellington and a duty officer to attend this incident.

"On arrival the officer in charge confirmed fire on first floor and smoking issuing in the corridor. Crews got to work using two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one CO2 extinguisher and a thermal imaging camera to locate and extinguish the fire.

At 7.30am, it was confirmed the fire had been put out using four breathing apparatus wearers, one hose reel jet and one CO2 extinguisher and one safety jet. 

One room was heavily smoke logged.

The officer in charge confirmed the fire was caused by a sterling machine left on overnight.