FIREFIGHTERS have praised the swift action of a lodger who saved three other people at a farm near Exeter.

The lodger was alerted to a fire in an electrical box at Rolls Bridge Farm bungalow at Ide on Thursday night.

Farmer David Martin and two other lodgers had gone to bed when the alarm was raised shortly before 9.30pm.

The lodger who raised the alarm went to investigate the supply box after the power was disconnected and found it burning.

Watch commander Dave Cogger said: "His quick action averted what could have been a very serious fire.

"The other people in the bungalow including the farmer had gone to bed so it was lucky that this man was still up and able to locate the fire.

"Had this fire occurred in the middle of the night for instance then the consequences could have been a lot worse."

Two appliances from the Danes Castle and Middlemoor stations responded and the fire was out on arrival.

Extensive damage was caused to the supply box and the hallway where it was situated.

Watch commander Cogger said the property did not have smoke alarms fitted.

He said: "Smoke alarms can save lives and can be fitted free by the fire service. We urge everyone to take advantage of this service."