PROPERTIES were damaged by a fire in West Somerset on Sunday morning (March 16).

Firefighters were called to the scene, in Withycombe, at just after 10am after reports of a barn fire in the West Street area.

“Initially, two pumping appliances and one water carrier were mobilised,” a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

“Due to the information from further calls a further pumping appliance was mobilised.

“Once crews were in attendance, a number of extra resources were requested.”

At its peak, there were six pumping appliances, one water carrier, a command support unit and an environmental protection unit at the scene.

After the blaze was brought under control, it was confirmed it involved two outbuildings and three heating oil tanks, with four domestic properties damaged by fire and radiated heat.

All outbuildings and two heating oil tanks destroyed by fire.

“Domestic properties suffered moderate heat and fire damage to 10% of buildings,” the spokesperson added.

“The fire was extinguished using twelve breathing apparatus, four thermal imaging cameras, one main jet and three hose reel jets.”