MORE than 30 properties have been left without power after a fire broke out in an outbuilding at a Minehead school.

Fire crews from Minehead, Williton and an aerial ladder platform from Taunton were called at 1.25pm on Monday (October 14) to reports of a smoking issuing from a building at a school in Watery Lane.

On arrival crews found that the school had been promptly evacuated and confirmed smoke issuing with electrical arcing taking place in a brick built outbuilding.

Crews were used two breathing apparatus, two carbon dioxide extinguishers, electrical gauntlets and thermal imaging to locate and extinguish the fire.

The aerial ladder platform was stood down and crews confirmed there was a fire involving a mains incoming cable, fuses and switchgear.

A spokesperson for the fire service, said: "All the children and staff were soon safe and occupied in other areas of the school to keep them safe and warm on a wet afternoon.

"Western Power are in attendance to make the area safe and return power to neighbouring properties as soon as possible.

"There may be interruptions to power in the area this afternoon and evening."

Western Power Distribution (WPD) said there has been a low voltage incident in Watery Lane and 33 properties have been left without power.

A WPD spokesperson said will be restored to the area by 11.59pm today (October 14).