A teenager has been praised after raising the alarm to a house blaze in Newton Abbot last night, Tuesday, 22nd May.
The 13-year-old alerted the occupier before flagging down a car and asking them to call 999.
Newton Abbot praised Alex Duff for his actions on social media.
The fire service was called to the incident on Greenaway Road just before 7pm last night.
Posting to Facebook, Newton Abbot Fire Station said: “Upon arrival we were faced with a fully developed fire and flames coming out of the upstairs window.
“Four crew members entered the house dressed in breathing apparatus and used 2 hose reels to extinguish the fire. Due to the extreme heat we had to crawl into the upper rooms, staying low as the temperatures at height increase significantly.
“We stayed on scene for around two and a half hours before being mobilsed straight to another incident, luckily a false alarm.
“We would like to praise a local teenager, Alex Duff (13) for his actions when he noticed the flames coming from the window. He knocked on the door and told the occupier to leave the house, before flagging down a car asking them to ring 999, then raised the alarm with the neighbours. Well done Alex.
“Also we would like to thank the local community for their generosity supplying cold drinks followed by plenty of tea and coffee. Some of us looked a bit drained after fighting an intense fire.
“Investigations are ongoing although initial findings are that it is an accidental fire. Luckily although looking very serious there were no injuries.”
They added: “Please take a moment once you have read this post to go and check your smoke alarms are working correctly.”
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