A DOG died after a fire destroyed a garden shed in Weymouth.

Two fire crews from Weymouth were called to an address in Culliford Way, Littlemoor, shortly before midnight on Sunday.

Crews found a shed, appearing to double as a kennel, engulfed by flames at the rear of the property.

Several dogs were released to safety by the owner, except for one who unfortunately did not survive the fire.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The fire was reported to be in a normal shed that doubled up as a kennel. Investigations are underway but it is believed the fire was caused by a wood burning stove inside the shed.

“It is not clear as to whether an autopsy will be carried out on the dog to determine exactly what caused the dog to pass away. Fire officers at the time enquired as to whether the RSPCA were required but it was decided that the RSPCA was not going to be involved.”

Firefighters tackled the blaze using two breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet and one main line. The fire was extinguished by 1.30am on Monday and a re-inspection of the property was carried out later.

A neighbour, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “It was a very, very scary experience for us and all our children. By the time the fire service arrived it has spread to the neighbours’ garden and they were using their own equipment to try stop the fire spreading even more.”

The neighbour claimed it took crews more than half an hour to arrive but this was disputed by the brigade which said crews were there within nine minutes of the initial call.

Police officers also attended briefly, but a spokesman stated the fire was not considered to be suspicious and the investigation was with the fire service.

In light of the fire, DWFRS is warning residents to be vigilant when it comes to wood-burning stoves.

Safe and well research and development coordinator for DWFRS Sarah Moore said: “Wood-burning stoves and wood burning boilers should properly installed and only used with the right quality of wood.

"They should also be maintained and regularly serviced by a qualified person. If your wood burner is not burning correctly, either contact the company or shop that sold it to you or the Association of British Solid Fuel Appliance Manufacturers for advice.

“When using a solid fuel burning stove, don’t forget the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your solid fuel burning appliance and test it regularly.”