FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with an incident at a property in Waverley Road, Exmouth.

Two crews from Exmouth and Middlemoor responded to reports of a fire at around 10.45am last Tuesday, December 14.

The small fire, in a ground floor kitchen, involved a toaster.

Watch Commander Sturtivant, who was in charge, said it was difficult to establish whether the toaster was defective.

Crews used two sets of breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

Mr Sturtivant said: “Occupants of the property were alerted by a smoke alarm and then they called the fire service.

“We were there fairly quickly as we happened to be in the area. An ambulance crew also came along and did a routine check.”

Speaking after the incident, watch commander Sturtivant issued the following safety advice.

He urged people to make sure they had an effective smoke alarm and said if people had toasters to make sure they are positioned and used in a safe position.

Mr Sturtivant added: “If you find there is a fire in a room, make sure any doors, if possible, can be closed. This will help prevent smoke and fire spread.”

If you do not have any smoke alarms fitted in your home, call the community fire safety department on 0800 7311822, who can arrange for one to be installed.