Sidmouth firefighters praise vigilant neighbours

Sidmouth firefighters have praised the neighbours of a property in Arcot Road who dialled 999 after checking for fire next door when they heard a smoke alarm sounding.

The neighbours reportedly saw that the kitchen was full of smoke, and waited at the roadside to show the fire crews the way.

Firefighters put the blaze out quickly and only the cooker was damaged.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Fire control mobilised the Sidmouth crew and a crew from Ottery St Mary Fire Station to a domestic fire at Arcot Road.

"The next-door neighbours to the property heard the smoke alarm's sound and went to check. Thankfully they didn't ignore it.

"They saw the kitchen full of smoke and called 999. They waited at the roadside to show us where it was. That's exactly the correct thing to do.

"Two breathing apparatus wearers made entry through the rear door, inside they found a fire in the kitchen.

"They quickly extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. Luckily damage was confined to the cooker.

"If you hear a neighbour's smoke alarm, go and check on them, you could save a life."