THERE was a close shave for two Halwill Junction residents on Monday night as they escaped from a blazing house fire which damaged around 70 per cent of their home.

Fire appliances from Holsworthy, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and North Tawton attended the blaze on Station Road.

As well as the incident command unit there was a support unit from Ilfracombe and a water bowser from Barnstaple.

The fire originated on the first floor of the property and severely damaged two domestic garages; and there was smoke and heat damage to a neighbouring house.

Firefighters tackling the fire had to retreat from the building when the ridge of the roof collapsed. It took around three hours for the incident to be brought fully under control.

The two casualties were taken to hospital by land ambulance, suffering from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.