PETS have died in an ‘accidental’ house fire in the Taunton area.

Two fire engines from Taunton were sent to the property at 5.03pm on Saturday, August 31 after the fire service was alerted to smoke coming from the building.

Upon arrival, the firefighters requested another fire engine to attend, which was deployed from Wellington.

The crews extinguished the fire and used masks to try and save the occupant's pets, but they sadly died from smoke inhalation.

A Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Fire control received calls to reports of smoke issuing from a property.

“Two fire engines were sent from Taunton and on arrival confirmed that smoke was issuing and requested a third fire engine to attend, which came from Wellington.

“Crews got to work with four breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets, one safety jet and one covering jet. The property was severely smoke-logged.

“This was a fire within a kitchen, which was severely damaged by fire and smoke. 

“The fire was extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, thermal imaging camera, small tools and a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear the property from the smoke. 

“Crews also used oxygen and a pet mask on the occupant's pets but unfortunately they did not survive the smoke. 

“The cause of the fire was accidental and duty of care was left with the occupants.”