A WOMEN and her three dogs escaped from their home in South Zeal after fire broke out on the ground floor on Sunday. Both floors of the terraced house at Hillfield were well alight when fire crews from Okehampton arrived at the scene just after 12.30pm. Because of the extent of the fire, which destroyed 90% of the ground floor and 70% of the first floor, a third fire appliance from Chagford was requested. Okehampton fire station officer Ian Donovan said the solid fuel back boiler in the house exploded and the occupant and her pets quickly left the house. ?The explosion quickly ignited a fire in the living room and it very soon spread throughout the house,? he said ?When we arrived at the scene we were faced with a very severe fire but we quickly brought it under control.? The woman was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with smoke. Mr Donovan asked people to contact the fire station for fire prevention advice or have a smoke detector fitted. The best time to call is on Mondays between 7pm and 9pm. The number is 01837 52293.
