People evacuated due to outbuilding fire

Multiple fire crews have tackled an outbuilding blaze in Axminster, Devon.

Axminster Fire Station said it was alerted to the blaze on the Lyme Road and South Street junction at about 15:10 BST on Tuesday.

It said the fire within the outbuilding - attached to a retail premises - was producing "a large amount of smoke".

Nearby properties were evacuated, the fire station said.

Colyton Fire Station, Charmouth Fire Station and Yeovil Fire Station also attended.

Axminster Fire Station said the commercial kitchen outbuilding storage area was destroyed in the blaze.

The adjoining retail premises suffered 20% smoke damage, it said.

It added flames were extinguished after 17:00 and evacuated residents were then allowed to return to their properties.

One fire crew remained at the scene until about 20:40 to dampen down hot spots, it said.

The cause of the fire was believed to be accidental.

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