A COUPLE are facing months away from their home after a devastating fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage - started by their neighbour's Smart car.

Fire crews were called on Thursday (September 19) after the blaze spread from the engine compartment of the parked vehicle and set both neighbouring homes alight.

Gordon Young, 85, said: "I jumped out and opened the bonnet and smoke started pouring out. I wanted to get the car off of the drive and onto the road.

"But the smoke was so bad I had to get out on the driveway and then it burst into flames in front of my eyes.

"There was plumes of black smoke, reaching higher than the house. It was terrifying. It's normally really quiet around here and nothing much happens."

The fire spread from the car to both his and neighbour Chris Starr's homes, with the heat so intense it also melted the wing mirror of Chris' BMW.

Firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze in Clevedon, North Somerset - which also ruined gas and electrical boxes on both properties.

Experts from the gas and electricity board then had to be called in to turn off the supply in the street - with the switch yet to back flipped back on.

A cordon remains in place at the front of the two properties and the charred remains of Gordon's 12-plate car have already been towed away.

Financial director Chris, 67, and his wife Debbie could now face months away from their home, where they have lived for 33 years.

He said: "We are all safe and that's what matters. The damage can be repaired and items replaced.

"I heard a crackling and popping and I looked out to see Gordon's car on fire. I ran outside and a neighbour shouted that they had called the fire brigade.

"The neighbours have all been great and have rallied around."

Gordon, who has lived in his bungalow for 21 years, could also be temporarily relocated.

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "Crews from Weston, Avonmouth, Clevedon and Nailsea fire stations were called to a car fire that was affecting two properties.

"On arrival, two firefighters in breathing apparatus used two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire.

"Gas and electrics were also isolated and crews used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear smoke from the properties.

"Ambulance crews were also in attendance and the cause is thought to be accidental."