FIREFIGHTERS from Nether Stowey were among crews from a total of eight fire stations called to tackle a suspicious blaze which destroyed derelict house during the night of Saturday into Sunday (December 28 to 29).

The two-storey property in Fore Street, Westonzoyland, near Bridgwater, was ‘completely engulfed in flames’ by the time the first fire crews arrived at the scene soon after 10 pm on Saturday.

The brick-built property, which also comprised a number of outbuildings, was found to be well alight with smoke and flames issuing from the front of the building.

Avon and Somerset Police attended and closed the main A372 road during the incident and local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed and to stay away from the area.

The blaze involved both floors and the roof of the property and was so severe that part of the house collapsed inward on itself.

The fire crews set to work using three 45 mm attack jets, an aerial ladder platform, and a water tower to put out the blaze, while two thermal imaging cameras were also deployed to check for any hotspots.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesperson said on Sunday: “The cause of the fire is unknown and fire investigation officers will return to the scene later this morning.”

The A372 was reopened by 6 am on Sunday.

Crews also attended from Taunton, Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea, Glastonbury, Street, Martock, and Crediton, in Devon, including a command and control centre and a water bowser.