Exmouth firefighters helped extinguish a back-garden blaze in Exeter that totally destroyed a living room and kitchen on Sunday (2 July).

An Exeter Danes Castle fire engine initially saw black smoke in the Elizabeth Avenue area in the north-east of the city just after 1.30pm.

When they went to investigate, they found a back garden "well alight" with fire spreading to the back of the property.

They called for backup from Exmouth and Exeter Middlemoor, and together successfully tackled the blaze.

The fire completely destroyed the living room and kitchen and the rest of the property was damaged by smoke.

The cause was accidental, the fire service said.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "One fire appliance from Danes Castle noticed some black smoke in the area of Elizabeth Avenue and whilst they were investigating requested a further three fire engines to attend as they found a back garden well alight spreading to the back of the property. 

"Crews started attacking the fire using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one positive pressure ventilation fan and confirmed this was an accidental garden fire which then spread to the kitchen and living room.

"One hundred per cent of the living room and kitchen has been damaged by fire and the remainder of the property has been damaged by smoke.

"Crews checked the roof space for any fire spread or damage and the adjoining property was checked.

"The cause of the fire was accidental and crews [gave] support and advice to the occupier."