A command unit from Street Fire Station has helped tackle a large thatch roof blaze at a home in Thornfalcon, near Taunton.

Just after 3pm yesterday (September 24) Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call reporting a fire involving the garage of a thatched property in Thorn Lane, Thornfalcon, and the fire had spread to the thatch roof.

Six fire appliances from Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington and Ilminster as well as a water carrier from Bridgwater, an aerial ladder platform from Taunton, a command unit from Street, a welfare appliance from Burnham-On-Sea and a high volume pump from Exeter were mobilised.

Fire crews confirmed a fire well alight at the rear of the building on the ground floor. They got to work with two hose reel jets and a main jet attempting to prevent further fire spread along the thatch roof.

By 4pm, fire crews are at work with eight breathing apparatus wearers, three hose reel jets and a main jet.

Firefighters also requested the attendance of an ambulance for one male casualty suffering from smoke inhalation.

Western Power Distribution attended to isolate the power supply to the property, and the fire crews were able to isolate the oil supply to the house.

A structural engineer from Somerset West and Taunton Deane Council was called before 5pm, but it it wasn't until 11.15pm that crews were able to leave the incident after extinguishing the fire. A crew is returning this morning to reinspect the property.

The privately-owned thatch house with a tiled extension was 15 per cent damaged by fire and 50 per cent damaged by smoke.

In total, crews used eight breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, a safety jet, a covering jet, compressed air foam, safety at height equipment, ladders and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the fire.