FIREFIGHTERS said “smoking” caused a blaze that left a Somerset bungalow ‘severely damaged’.

Crews from Taunton, Crewkerne, Ilminster and Martock were sent to the property in Seavington St Mary at around 3am this morning (January 31).

“Crews attended a domestic bungalow and on arrival confirmed the ground floor well alight,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“A fourth appliance was requested for assistance. Crews put the fire out using six breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras, ladders and small tools.

“The fire had spread to the roof space, which was checked by crews, and damped down.

“The fire had started accidentally in a bedroom due to smoking, and the building was severely damaged.”