SHOCKED neighbours living on a small cul-de-sac in Rodbourne Cheney have recalled the dramatic scenes on their street when a house went up in smoke.

The charred remains of one Holly Close home have been boarded up and sealed off by metal and plastic barriers after a blaze ripped through it on Thursday evening.

Dozens of firefighters and several fire engines filled the street while trying to contain the fire.

The wall of one house has collapsed, leaving the scorched structure open to the elements, and its roof, front windows and door have been broken. One property next door has visible damage to its roof and loft.

Amy Whitehouse has lived in the area for four years. She told the Adver: “I’ve never seen anything like it, it was scary. I was hoping and praying no-one was hurt and luckily they weren’t, thank God.

“My daughter noticed the fire brigade arrive at first and then I saw smoke all down the street. I came out to see which house it was, and we were told to get back inside and shut all the doors and windows.

“There were seven fire engines and around 50 firefighters outside. They were really good at keeping everything under control and stopping the fire spreading as much as possible.

“My children were really scared and worried – my youngest cried a little – and they kept wanting to go out and see what was going on.

“When something serious happens, we come together to help. Everyone has been really good trying to help the family get back on their feet, which is nice.”

The fire started on the ground floor before spreading to the roof and affecting another terraced house.

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Picture: Steve Chatterley/SWNS

Firefighters from Stratton, Swindon, Westlea, Cricklade and Royal Wootton Bassett fire stations responded at 7.13pm then relief crews from Amesbury, Warminster and Calne followed along with the aerial ladder platform from central Swindon, the incident command vehicle from Stratton and an operational support unit from Salisbury. 

Emergency service crews left the scene at around 2.30am and the fire service is still investigating the cause of the incident. 

At the time of the emergency, Wiltshire Police said:  "We were alerted by the fire service to a report of a fire at two houses in Holly Close, Swindon, at 7.45pm. It is believed the fire was caused after a mattress outside the property set alight by a discarded cigarette."

Swindon Borough Council is looking for a suitable new home for the family.

READ MORE: Drone pictures show aftermath of house fire