EIGHT fire engines were at the scene of a fire in Shrewton, which badly damged a detached house.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to Nett Road just before midday yesterday after a car fire spread to the adjacent property.

On arrival, crews found the two-storey house well alight and at the height of the incident, eight fire engines were in attendance, six from Wiltshire – Salisbury (two), Devizes, Amesbury, Pewsey and Melksham – and two from Hampshire

Also in attendance was a water carrier from Wilton, an operational support unit from Salisbury and the British Red Cross fire and emergency support service team from Swindon.

Whilst the occupants were unhurt, significant fire damage affected the entire house, including the roof.

Devizes crew manager Richard Lake said: "When we arrived two other crews were already in attendance. I became involved in incident command so didn't get close to the actual fire but two of our young lads were put in breathing apparatus. There was a danger of falling tiles so we had to be careful."

Devizes station manager Darren Nixon said: “Working smoke alarms were fitted within the property, which would have alerted the occupants had they not already been aware of the fire.

"However, we would stress the need for people to develop an escape plan from their property in the event of fire, especially during night time hours, and adopt a night time routine which includes closing doors to all rooms, where possible, to restrict any fire spread.”

It is understood that friends and relatives of the home owners were at the scene to offer support. 

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offers free home fire safety advice to householders – to see if you qualify for a visit, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk