A NEIGHBOUR alerted the fire brigade after spotting a chimney fire at Westford Court, Westford, near Wellington, this morning (Sunday).
Fire crews had to force their way into the house as the owner was away when they arrived at the scene at 9.07am.
Firefighters called for back up after it emerged the blaze had spread to the roof space.
A total of three fire engines, the incident support unit and the command support unit attended.
The fire was under control by 11.19am.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "There was considerable smoke damage to the kitchen and slight fire damage to the roof."
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He added that smoke detectors were fitted but they failed to go off as the batteries had been removed.
The fire service fitted two new smoke detectors after the incident.
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