FIREFIGHTERS fought a fire in the lounge of a farmhouse during the early hours of this morning, Monday, December 16.

Three crews, from Chulmleigh, Hatherleigh and Torrington, fought the fire in the property at Ashreigney, near Winkleigh.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue was alerted to the fire at 3.14am.

Upon arrival the crews got to work tackling the fire and used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and two safety jets to put out the fire.

Two thermal imaging cameras were used to check for hot spots and positive pressure ventilation was used to clear smoke.

The fire severely damaged the lounge, and the rest of the ground floor suffered damage.

All persons were accounted for and crews left the scene before 8am.

Crews confirmed the fire was accidental ignition.