HOUSES have been devastated by fire in a Herefordshire town.

Plumes of black smoke were seen over Leominster as firefighters from the town and nine other stations were called to Buckfield Road in Leominster just after 6pm last night (July 8).

The call came after a fire in a garage spread to four semi-detached homes, a fire service spokesperson said.

Eight breathing apparatus, three main jets, three hose reel jets, an aerial ladder platform, a drone, and a safety jet were used to battle the major blaze while Cadent and Western Power were called in to isolate gas and electrics.

Hereford Times: Two homes have been gutted by the blaze. Picture: Dave SwallowTwo homes have been gutted by the blaze. Picture: Dave Swallow

Pictures from the scene show two of the homes involved were gutted by the blaze.

READ MORE: Latest updates: eight fire engines tackle blaze at four houses in Leominster

The spokesperson said eight adults and four children were relocated with relatives with crews remaining on scene into the morning to damp down and monitor the incident.

Fire service commander Dave Swallow said there had been "good, assertive firefighting attack" in hot conditions from Leominster and Kingsland crews.

He said their work stopped further spread of the well-developed fire.

He also praised "great support" from fire control and crews from Tenbury, Ewyas Harold and Hereford.