A CONCERNED resident phoned the emergency services on Wednesday evening after a car caught fire outside their house.

Firefighters from Martock, Ilminster, and Yeovil were called to the fire in South Petherton at 7.39pm on September 14.

The resident managed to leave their home safely but the fire caused some heat damage to the exterior of their property.

The fire was brought under control by 9.09pm by firefighters using hose reel jets and compressed air foam.

A Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Three fire appliances from Martock, Ilminster and Yeovil were mobilised to the Old A303 at South Petherton following a call from the occupant of a property reporting a car on fire right outside their house.

“During the call, concern was raised regarding the proximity of the fire to the property and we confirmed that the occupant was able to safely evacuate during the initial call. 

“The car was well alight on our arrival and crews worked well to bring it under control.

“Firefighters in breathing apparatus were committed to the property to check for fire spread and, whilst luckily it had not penetrated the building, there was some radiated heat damage to the exterior fascias, window frames and guttering.

“Crews used hose reel jets and compressed air foam to extinguish the fire which started accidentally.

“The incident was brought under control at 9.09pm and once the vehicle was made safe and the property cleared of smoke, duty of care was left with the owner.”