TWO people escaped a house fire after a blaze started in a sauna in Wickwar.

The fire broke out in a private two-storey house in Station Road on Tuesday night.

Four fire engines, two from Yate, one from Kingswood and one from neighbouring Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue, were called to the scene.

Six firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used high pressure hose reels to put out the fire, which caused extensive damage to the property.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesman James Bladon said the blaze at 11.33pm had been caused accidentally.

“When crews arrived they found two occupants of that property both outside,” he said. “They had already made their way out of the house.

“The fire involved the first floor in a room used as a sauna. It caused extensive heat and fire damage to the room where it started as well as smoke and heat damage throughout the first floor.”

He said the two residents were both treated at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation.

He added: “They were discharged at the scene and did not require hospital treatment.”