Fire crews are urging residents to take extra care when disposing of hot ashes after a fire broke out at a home in Shepton Mallet.

Shepton Mallet Fire Station was called to a property on St Peter's Estate in the early hours of 19th March after hot ash in a bin ignited and spread to the building.

Firefighters arrived at the scene just after midnight and tackled the flames using a hose reel jet, a 105 ladder, and a thermal imaging camera. Thanks to the quick actions of a passerby who raised the alarm, crews were able to respond swiftly and prevent the fire from spreading further.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Early detection means an early response and less time for fire to spread. We'd like to remind everyone to make sure any fire is fully extinguished and ashes are cold before putting them in the bin."

Firefighters are also stressing the importance of working smoke alarms, which they say are "essential for home safety" and could provide vital extra warning in similar incidents.

No injuries were reported in the fire.