A family of five were lucky to escape their home after a fire spread through their property in the early hours of this morning.

An electric fan had caught fire in a first-floor bedroom of their semi-detached home in Cullompton. The smoke detectors were activated and the father called 999. The family were evacuated safely.

Firefighting teams from Cullompton and Middlemore in Exeter were sent to the scene, and the Cullompton team arrived within five minutes of receiving the 999 call.

The fire was spreading rapidly and other units were required to help put the flames out. Honiton, Tiverton, Clyst St. George and Danes Castle (which are both in Exeter) also attended the scene.

The fire was extinguished by 5am and smoke was then removed from the property using a positive pressure ventilation fan. The fire personnel also used thermal imaging cameras to check for fire spread and hotspots.

The room in which the fire started was destroyed and there was localised damage to the remainder of the property, especially upstairs.

One individual suffered slight smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

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