A CHIMNEY fire threatened to tear through the second floor of a Somerset farmhouse last night.

Crews from Glastonbury and Wells tackled the blaze, in Wells Road, Bleadney, at around 7.15pm.

After responding to initial reports of a chimney fire, firefighters called for backup as flames were immediately visible and the fire spread.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said crews had to tackle the blaze 'from both the hearth and the roof' and a third crew - the second from Wells - was called to the scene as the fire had spread to a first-floor bedroom.

"Once the third crew arrived on scene, crews made good and steady progress firefighting from the hearth on the ground floor," the spokesperson added.

The fire was brought under control at just before 11pm, they said.

"The fire was prevented from spreading any further, with the damage pertaining to an area of wallpaper in the bedroom and 50% damage by smoke," the spokesperson said.

"All crews have now left the incident but a reinspection will be carried out by our Glastonbury crew in the morning to check for any hotspots.

"There were no casualties and duty of care for the property has been left with the owner."