HOMES had to be evacuated in the early hours of yesterday morning after a fire broke out in a block of flats in Melksham.

Six people had to leave the building at Market Place after a fire erupted in the electrical power plant room of the flats at about 4am.

The fire brigade was called to the scene by the warden of the flats after the blaze triggered a fire alarm.

Two fire engines attended and officers used breathing apparatus while tackling the blaze.

The electricity board was also called in to ensure that the room was left in a safe condition.

Station Officer Andy Green said: "There was quite a lot of damage to the wiring. It was probably caused by faulty wiring.

"Fortunately there weren't any casualties at the end of the day."

The damage caused by the fire was contained in the power room and the people evacuated from their flats were allowed to return shortly after the fire was put out.