Trowbridge Fire Station manager Andy Green is urging canal boat users to check their craft after a 42-year-old man died in a blaze on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

A passing dog walker raised the alarm just before 7.20am on Tuesday after noticing smoke coming from the 45ft-long narrowboat Rum Lady on the canal near Marsh Farm, Hilperton.

Crews from Trowbridge, Melksham and Devizes, together with a water rescue team from Trowbridge and a 4x4 pump from Westbury tackled the blaze but the man, Jason ‘Badger’ Phillips, was confirmed dead at the scene.

Mr Phillips is understood to be a father of two whose parents live in Dorset. His dog Charlie also died in the fire.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is believed to be accidental and the investigation is focusing on the wood burning stove.

Mr Green, who managed the fire crews, said: “We received a call from a dog walker who lived locally, so we sent two engines and a water rescue team, as well as a 4x4 pump, with the first crews from Trowbridge finding the canal boat.

“The first firefighters entered the boat and discovered the casualty, who was near the door. They got him out and the ambulance was on hand, but unfortunately he died at the scene. There was a lot of smoke and the fire was well developed when we arrived and it took six breathing apparatus wearers to extinguish it.

“We were able to gain access to the boat quickly as it was moored up, but it is tricky for firefighters to work in such a small, confined space and it restricts how quickly we can extinguish the flames.”

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out a training exercise on the Kennet and Avon Canal only last month, on the outskirts of Devizes, to test procedures for an incident on the water.

Mr Green said anyone who owns or uses a canal boat should check the fire service’s website for tips on boat safety and it also offers specific home fire safety checks.

He said: “We have boat safety advisors who visit boaters along the canal to give free fire safety advice.”

Details at wiltsfire.gov.uk.