Firefighters have issued a warning about electric blankets after a house fire in central Somerset this weekend.

Firefighters from Street, Glastonbury and Somerton were called to the blaze at School Farm, Barton St David, on Sunday at 1.12pm.

A neighbour had called 999 after seeing smoke pouring from an upstairs window.

"On arrival the crews found smoke to be issuing from the upstairs window of the semi-detached property," said a spokesman for the fire and rescue service.

"They went to work using with breathing apparatus wearers and a reel jet. As well as the three crews who were sent to the scene, a fire investigation officer was also sent to help determine the cause of the fire."

The investigation revealed the cause of the fire had been an electric blanket which had been left on.

"There was 75 per cent damage to the electric blanket and 100 per cent smoke damage to the room," said the spokesman. "With increasing fuel costs forcing people on fixed incomes to look to electric blankets for night warmth, it is vital that they ensure these blankets are safe."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service offers advice on its website, including tell-tale danger signs like fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, damp patches and a worn flex.

"We want people to be careful with electric blankets, to use new, modern ones that work properly, not those that have been folded away for ages," said the spokesman.

"Potentially, it could have been a lot worse. People should have their electric blankets checked every year and they should be replaced about every five years.

"Please make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms. Always store electric blankets flat or rolled up. Folding them can cause damage and increase the risk of fire."