Properties evacuated after flat fire breaks out in Exeter
Residents heard a loud bang and the lights went out
Properties have had to be evacuated after a flat fire broke out in Exeter.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang and the lights went out, as well the smell of burning, when it happened.
Firefighters were called to the scene on Beacon Lane on Thursday afternoon (11th November) and used hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.
Luckily no one was hurt but severe fire and smoke damage has been caused.
An investigation is now being carried out to work out what happened.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two fire appliances from Danes Castle and Middlemoor (our Exeter stations), were mobilised to a property on Beacon Lane, Exeter, following calls from residents of flats who heard a loud bang and the lights went off. They could also smell burning.
"Crews were on scene within minutes of being mobilised and requested a further fire appliance be mobilised for extra personnel, due to the loud bang being heard and this being a 3 storey property. The 3rd fire appliance was also mobilised from Danes Castle.
"After entering the property crews soon located the fire to a ground floor flat that was fully involved in fire and set to work evacuating neighbouring properties.
"Crews made good and steady progress, preventing the fire spreading to other flats, as well as bringing it under control, using 2 breathing apparatus and 1 hose reel jet, before using a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots and a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the property of smoke.
"This incident is now complete and all crews have come away from the incident. Two fire officers remain on scene assisting the Police with fire investigation. Damage was severe by fire and smoke, and was confined to the flat concerned (bedding and soft furnishings).
"There were luckily no casualties. Once the scene was made safe fire crews left the incident in the hands of our fire investigation officers and the Police."