FIREFIGHTERS wearing breathing apparatus tackled a blaze that started in a tumble dryer in Chippenham.

Crews from Chippenham and Corsham were called to a house in Saxon Street and evacuated neighbours after the alarm was raised.

It is believed the fire started in a tumble dryer in the utility room and spread to another appliance last Wednesday.

Chippenham watch manager Paul Hanlon said: "We were called to the fire in Saxon Street after a call about a house fire at 3.20pm.

"The utility room at the back of the house was well alight and had caused smoke to spread throughout the house.

"The owners of the house were not in during the time of the fire and we had to ask the neighbours to leave their properties just in case the fire spread.”

The fire crews had to use breathing apparatus while entering the house due to the amount of smoke that was filling the property, ventilator fans were also used to help remove the smoke. Extensive damage was caused to the utility room but no one was injured.

Mr Hanlon said: “The owners of the house were a bit shaken up but were caused no harm.

"Ambulance services were on the scene to ensure that everyone was safe and hadn’t suffered any injuries."