THE living room of a Minehead flat was “severely damaged” after a candle caused a fire this morning (November 28).

The incident unfolded at a flat at just before 1am, when two crews from Minehead and one from Porlock were sent to the scene.

“On arrival, crews confirmed this to be a fire in the living room of a first-floor flat. All occupants and neighbours were accounted for,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to fight the fire, along with thermal imaging cameras and a safety jet, at the two-storey property.

“The fire involved a candle and furniture within the lounge area of the property,” the spokesperson added.

“The room of origin sustained severe fire damage and the cause was accidental.”

After the blaze was dealt with, the service said working smoke alarms activated at the early stages of the incident, “allowing the occupier to escape safely, raise the alarm and alert neighbours”.

“Closing the door on the fire also stopped the spread of fire to the remainder of the flat and help reduce the level of smoke damage,” the spokesperson added.