A “SMALL explosion within a wood burner” has damaged the lounge of a domestic property in Puriton.

Firefighters from Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea were sent to the property at around 6.59pm yesterday (November 28) after a neighbour reported the explosion.

Everyone was out of the property and with a neighbour when the fire service arrived. A dog and a hamster were rescued.

A Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Fire control received a report from a neighbour of a small explosion within a wood burner.

“Upon arrival, crews confirmed that the wood burner in the front lounge of the property had exploded and caused 75 per cent blast damage and 50 per cent smoke damage to the room.

“All persons were confirmed out of the property and taking shelter with a neighbour.

“Crews used two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one thermal imaging camera, and one positive pressure ventilation fan.

“One dog and one hamster were also safely rescued from the property. The cause of the incident was accidental.”