by Alan Quick

THREE fire crews, from Crediton, North Tawton and Danes Castle in Exeter, put out a serious kitchen fire at Hilltop Cottage between Higher Elston and Brandis Corner, Copplestone, near Crediton.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 6.18pm on Monday, February 6, by the occupant of the property, saying their cooker was on fire.

The Fire Service said that at the time of the call the smoke detectors in the cottage were sounding and the occupants were able to safely evacuate the property.

Shortly after arriving and entering the property, with two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, and using one hose reel jet, the crews located the fire, confirming it was a chip pan well-alight on the stove.

The property was heavily smoke logged.

Crews increased the number of firefighters in breathing apparatus to four.

After extinguishing the fire, with the addition of second hose reel jet, the chip pan was moved outside.

A positive pressure ventilation fan was used in an effort to clear the property of smoke.

During the fire, the firefighters had to remove a section of ceiling, which had been involved in the fire, therefore effecting the structure of the kitchen.

After making the area safe and checking for fire spread, using two thermal imaging cameras, duty of care for the privately-owned property was left with the owner.

Watch Commander Ian Salter, of Crediton fire station, told the "Courier" that the kitchen was "severely damaged by the fire."

He added: "The fire started accidentally and there were no casualties."