A FIRE in a cupboard that damaged a Somerset flat is believed to have been started deliberately.

Crews from Street, Glastonbury and Somerton - as well as an aerial platform ladder from Taunton - were called to reports of a fire at a property in Merriman Road, Street, at 10.30pm last night (February 25).

"On arrival crews confirmed there was smoke issuing from a ground floor flat," said a Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

"Crews requested the attendance of the Incident Support Unit from Yeovil and then extinguished the fire using four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets."

The fire was located in a cupboard of the ground floor flat, the spokesperson said.

There was 50 per cent fire damage to the cupboard and its contents, and 20 per cent smoke damage to the room.

"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and is being investigated by police," they added.