On investigation by firefighters and engineers from Wales and West Utilities, it was discovered that it was not a gas leak but spilt petrol which had seeped into the property. A spokesman for Crediton fire brigade said: "The incident was treated as a gas leak initially but the engineer was able to confirm it was not gas." He added that a small, unrelated gas leak nearby was suspected and investigated this further. Wales and West Utilities has agreed to dig the road near 57 High Street in the very near future.