FIRE crews from Crediton, North Tawton and Exeter Danes Castle attended a property fire at Station Road, Yeoford on Tuesday, April 2 following a call from the occupant stating that he had a fire in the kitchen and was unsure whether he was able to get out or not.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Control confirmed that the smoke detectors were also sounding at the time of call, received at 1.49pm.

The three fire crews were mobilised along with a supporting Officer. An ambulance was also requested for the safety of the occupant still within the property. 

On arrival crews confirmed that there were smoke and flames issuing from the ground floor kitchen of the property and that one male occupant was led to safety by Fire Service personnel.

Crews set to work extinguishing the fire with two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entering the property with one hose reel jet.

The fire was quickly extinguished whilst the occupant was being assessed by on scene ambulance personnel. The occupant was then conveyed to hospital via land ambulance.

Crews then used positive pressure ventilation fans to disperse any smoke from the premises. They also used a specialist animal oxygen mask on a cat which was found in the property suffering from the effects of smoke.

The cause of the fire has been confirmed as starting in a bin, which then spread to the worktop and surrounding kitchen units.

It is believed that the fire was started accidentally.

Carol Furze