FIRE precautions at the Newton Road flats where fire broke out early Monday morning are under review by Taunton Deane Council officials.

Residents have criticised the lack of fire doors in the council-owned block, which they say could have minimised the devastation.

Charlene Treagus, 25, and children Rebecca, 7, and Ryan, 5, were rescued from their upstairs flat by firefighters with ladders soon after midnight on Monday morning, after fire broke out in a stairwell.

Charlene told the County Gazette: "I can't praise the firemen enough. They were out of this world.

"They even brought teddy bears round for the kids, and have invited us to Taunton fire station on Sunday.

"It still hasn't really sunk in.

"I was still awake when I smelled burning. I thought it was a fuse, or the washing machine.

"Then the smoke got so bad there was no way we could have got down the stairs.

"I called the fire brigade, and put wet towels round all the doors to try and stop the smoke coming in the flat.

"They were here in minutes, and got me and the kids out."

John Starr, who also lives in the block, claimed the damage could have been minimised if fire doors had been fitted.

He said: "There is so much soot in my flat you can write your name on the ceiling.

The window blinds melted, and the walls are black, and carpets are ruined."

Cllr Greg Garner, responsible for housing services at the Deane, said: "We take these situations extremely seriously.

"We will ensure any structural and smoke damage is made good as soon as possible and that all fire precautions are reviewed as a matter of priority."

He added: "Tenants safety, security and comfort is our priority.

"We arranged accommodation for two residents on the night of the fire. The other tenants stayed with family or friends nearby.

"Naturally we don't expect any of our tenants to be out of pocket and we will ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum."