A fire broke out in the roof of house this morning, causing a large emergency response. 

Firefighters were called to Greenham Lane, near the village of Drimpton in west Dorset, shortly after 9am this morning (Thursday) and spent five hours tackling the blaze. 

Fire crews from stations in Beaminster, Bridport, Crewkerne, Charmouth, Yeovil, Chard and Maiden Newton attended the fire, which started in the roof of a terraced house and spread to a first floor bedroom and the roof of a neighbouring property, according to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. 

A spokesman for the fire service said: "There were 20 breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets and three main jets - officers needed to get the slats off the roof to bring the fire under control, so it was case of people power. "

Relief crews from Lyme Regis and Sherborne attended at about midday, when the operation was scaled down. 

Dorset Police also attended to help with traffic control around the village. 

Residents were at home at both properties at the time of the blaze but got out safely. 

An investigation to establish the cause of the fire is ongoing.