AN ACCIDENTAL fire at The Old Post Office in Wedmore last night has left two properties damaged.

Crews from across the Devon and Somerset area and Avon Fire Rescue battled the blaze for several hours after receiving a call reporting a roof fire at 6.21pm.

Fire engines from Cheddar, Wells, Glastonbury and the water carrier from Bridgwater were first on the scene.

A further engine from Burnham was asked to attend along with incident command unit from Street and the hydraulic platform from Taunton. 

Twenty minutes later with the blaze still going strong a fire appliance from Shepton Mallet was asked to attned and Avon Fire and Rescue sent two engines from Winscombe and Weston to assist. 

The power to the property was isolated while crews were still trying to tackle the fire internally at 7.47pm.

Part of the roof had to be removed to crews could tackle the fire.

A spokesperson for the service said: "The fire involved two properties. It is believed the fire started in the first floor of the Old Post Office. Fire damage to the bedroom on the first floor was 50 per cent and 80 per cent smoke damage.

"20 per cent fire damage occured in the roof space.

"The fire was extinguished by 10 breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and two covering jets.

"Ladders, small tools, and safety at height equipment was also used.

"The fire is believed to have started accidentally."

Crews from Chedder revisited the incident to carry out an inspection of all areas at 2am this morning.

The incident commander was satisfied that all fires have been extinguished and that no further inspections are required.