FIREFIGHTERS rescue a 'home alone' dog from a fire while its owners were out of the house.

Neighbours called 999 to report smoke billowing from a window in a three-storey town house in Homestead Avenue, Highbridge, at around 5.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, June 1).

A total of three fire engines from Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater attended the incident.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "The occupants were out at the time the fire started, but the family dog was home and crews rescued it shortly after arriving on scene, administering oxygen therapy via a special animal mask.

"The occupants soon returned home whereby the dog was left in their care and advised to be checked out by their vet."

The fire, which started accidentally, was extinguished using four breathing apparatus, two main jets and a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke, which caused 100 per cent damage to the lounge and dining room, and 10 per cent fire damage.

The spokesperson added: "The incident was brought under control at 6.32pm and duty of care was left with the occupants."