FIREFIGHTERS tackled a major blaze in Somerset after smoke was seen coming from a home and people were reported to be inside.
Crews from Chard, Ilminster, Ottery St Mary and Taunton were called to a property on Helliers Road, Chard, at 7.45am on September 8, following reports of a house fire with people believed to be inside.
A spokesman for Chard Fire Station said: "Upon arrival, crews found smoke issuing from the eaves of the property, indicating an active fire within the roof space.
"Fortunately, the Incident Commander quickly established that all occupants had safely evacuated and were fully accounted for."
Firefighters entered the building to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
They used two sets of breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, and thermal imaging cameras to contain the fire.
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Once the main fire was under control, two more firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent inside to check for hidden hotspots until the electricity supply was safely cut off by the National Grid.
The spokesman said: "Thanks to swift multi-station coordination, the fire was successfully contained to the roof space.
"All crews finished damping down and returned to home station around 11:00 AM."
The fire service also reminded residents of the importance of fire safety in the home.
The spokesman said: "Working smoke alarms save lives."
"Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, test them regularly, and always ensure everyone in your household knows the safest escape route in an emergency."
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire is currently "unknown".
They said: "We were called to a fire at a two-storey, mid-terraced property on the High Street in Chard at around 9.46am.
"Three appliances attended the incident. Crews quickly brought the fire under control using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, one safety jet and a triple extension ladder."
"The fire caused minimal damage to the property, and all persons were accounted for."
According to Chard residents, following this incident, there was a power outage in the area from around 5.40pm until around 9.30pm.
A spokesperson for National Grid has been contacted for further comment.
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