An alert passer-by has helped to save an empty house in Westbury from going up in flames after  they heard a smoke alarm sounding.

The person – whose identity is unknown – dialled 999 after hearing the alarm at a vacant terraced property in Hazel Grove at 6.42am this morning.

The property is empty and is currently being repaired and renovated by Trowbridge-based Selwood Housing Association.

Wiltshire Times: Firefighter makes up hoses at Hazel Grove, Westbury, after an alert passerby and a fast response from firefighters saved an empty Selwood House going up in smoke. Photo: Trevor Porter 50532-2Firefighter makes up hoses at Hazel Grove, Westbury, after an alert passerby and a fast response from firefighters saved an empty Selwood House going up in smoke. Photo: Trevor Porter 50532-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

It is not known how the fire started but an eyewitness said: “The fire service responded very quickly to save the property from going up in smoke.”

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call at 6.42am this morning about a domestic property fire on Hazel Grove, Westbury.

“Crews from Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge attended the incident which involved a fire within a first-floor bedroom.

“Two breathing apparatus wearers used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. Our stop was in at 8.35am.”

A Selwood Housing spokesperson said: "The fire service attended an empty home in Hazel Grove, Westbury on the morning of Thursday, January 25 following a smoke alarm sounding.

"No customers or staff were in the flat at the time. A rubbish bin was found to be smouldering and was extinguished by the fire service.

"The fire was contained within the bin and didn’t spread. Selwood Housing will conduct a full and thorough investigation of the incident."