SWIFT action by fire crews saved a property at Morchard Bishop near Crediton from destruction on Thursday, April 16.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were alerted at 11.55am by the owner of the property that the thatched roof of Oldborough Cottage, Morchard Bishop, was on fire.

Sparks from a bonfire in the garden of the property had set the roof alight.

Eight fire appliances from Crediton, Witheridge, Chulmleigh, North Tawton, Exeter, Tiverton and Okehampton, along with a water carrier, aerial appliance and an incident command unit were immediately sent to the scene.

On arrival crews promptly began firefighting using hose reel jets and ladders.

Firefighters began to remove thatch from the cottage roof to prevent it spreading to two adjoining cottages.

A further two crews from Exeter were called to assist in the firefighting operation and water was also taken from nearby standpipes to help with the fight.

Firefighters used more than four sets of breathing apparatus and four hose reel jets at the height of the fire, tackling it in various ways.

The fire was extinguished by 2pm.

An ambulance attended to provide cover and police closed roads in the area.

A telehandler was sent to assist with the removal of the thatch which had been taken from the roof.

Fire support vehicles provided crews with refreshments.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Group Manager Bill Harvison, was full of praise for the firefighters who fought the blaze.

He explained: "This was a great result.

"I am really pleased with how the operation to put out the fire went.

"An early call from a member of the public helped a prompt attendance by crews who began work immediately on arrival.

"Their prompt action helped greatly and also the weather conditions were in our favour.

"We were given good information of how to get to the property, which also helped.

"Good, old fashioned firefighting, with no unnecessary risks, achieved a great result."

Mr Harvison added: "I would like to warn members of the public to be mindful of lighting bonfires near combustable materials, such as thatched properties.

"People should always be able to put out a bonfire quickly if it begins to get too big.

"In this instance the thatch was removed and the property contents and fabric of the building were saved."

Crews remained on the scene throughout the afternoon.

Alan Quick