A HOUSE in West Bagborough was destroyed by fire early this morning after fire crews spent nearly four hours at the scene.

Several 999 calls were made at around 7am, reporting a property on fire in Stockham Lane, and three fire engines from Taunton, Williton and Nether Stowey went out.

The aerial ladder platform, also from Taunton, and an officer, were immediately sent too. Due to the remote location, and there not being a hydrant near by, a decision was also quickly made to send a water carrier, from Bridgwater. 

Not long after the fire crews arrived at the incident, they asked for assistance from a further two fire engines. These were sent from Wellington and Taunton. Fire Control also sent an incident command unit from Wellington, a welfare unit from Burnham-on-Sea, which was not needed.

And a specialist hazardous materials officer was also sent upon request of the crews at scene. 

The house was well alight, and within minutes of the crews’ arrival the breathing apparatus wearers has been increased from four to six.

By 8.40am, fire crews were making steady progress removing roof tiles and exposing hotspots and by 9.20am they were cutting away and damping down.

There was 100 per cent fire and and smoke damage to the eight b six metre property. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.