Flames leapt out of a small business this afternoon when fire took hold of a clothing shop.

Firefighters responded to the incident at Hose’s Fashions & Accessories in Rural Hill Plaza, near Paget stop lights.

A video that circulated on social media showed flames and black smoke billowing out of the unit as attempts were made to extinguish the fire.

Jay Donawa, a divisional officer with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, said that the blaze was reported at about 1.50pm.

A total of 12 firefighters worked to quell the flames, which Mr Donawa said were extinguished quickly.

Firefighters were removing items from the business at 3.15pm.

Gerald Sims, who has owned the business for 28 years, said: “I was outside the store, talking to a friend when we saw the flames, but by that time it was too late.”

He believes the fire resulted from a candle that shattered in a glass inside the business.

Mr Sims said nothing like that happened before, but added that the fire had made him stronger.

He explained: “They said the front [merchandise] is gone, we don’t know about the back.”

He thanked customers for their years of support for the business and said he looked forward to welcoming them back in the new year.