THREE fire appliances from Hatherleigh and Okehampton were called to a property in South Street, Hatherleigh on the afternoon of Wednesday week.

On arrival, it was discovered a serious fire was blazing in the ground floor living room of a mid-terraced property.

The room had suffered approximately 70% fire damage, with the rest of the damage caused by smoke. Crews used breathing apparatus and one hose reel to extinguish the fire, and a positive pressure ventilation fan was used to clear the property of smoke.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said the most likely cause of the fire was hot coals falling onto the carpet from a wood burner while the owner was out.