A POPULAR villager has died in a devastating blaze.
Locals have named him as Phil Ouseley, of Rectory Road, Norton Fitzwarren.
Mr Ouseley, 71, died following a fire in the garage next to his home yesterday afternoon (Monday).
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "He'd lived next for about eight years and was on his own after his partner died a couple of years ago.
"He was the epitome of what village life should be.
"He always had his door open. Everyone knew him."
READ MORE: Village in mourning after death of man in garage fire
A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the fire was reported at 2.10pm, with two cars and a cylinder in the building.
Firefighters arrived in six engines and battled to stop the flames spreading to two adjacent homes.
The garage was destroyed and the gables ends of the two homes were fire damaged.
Fire personnel remained on site until 8pm assisting police in their investigation.
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