Property fire

A family of five had a lucky escape in the early hours of this morning after an electric fan accidentally caught fire in a first floor bedroom of a semi detached cottage in Cullompton. Smoke detectors activated, raising the alarm, along with quick action by the father dialling 999 and Fire Control ensuring the family had all evacuated safely during the call. Three fire appliances from Cullompton and Middlemoor (Exeter) were initially mobilised, with Cullompton crew one scene within five minutes of booking mobile. 

The fire was well alight and had quickly spread to the roof so further appliances were mobilised to assist with the firefighting. These crews were mobilised from Clyst St George and Danes Castle (both Exeter), Tiverton and Honiton. 

Crews worked well to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading any further. At 0448hrs confirmation was received that the fire had been extinguished, whereby crews continued to dampen down the area and check for fire spread in the neighbouring property.

Update 0800hrs - This incident is now complete and was brought under control at 0543hrs. In total crews used 4 breathing apparatus, 2 hose reel jets and 2 safety jets to extinguish the fire, before using 2 thermal imaging cameras to check for fire spread and hotspots, followed by a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke. The fire caused 100% damage to the room of origin, with the remainder of the first floor sustaining 50% damage by heat and smoke. One casualty suffered slight smoke inhalation and minor injuries, and after being tended to by fire personnel on scene, was left in the hands of Ambulance medics and conveyed to hospital as a precaution. All crews have now left the incident and these are the full and final details.