A Devizes family had a "really lucky escape" after a fire ripped through their home on Monday. (April 12)

Crews from Devizes, Melksham and Calne rushed to Hambleton Avenue around 6.15pm.

The fire service received 14 999 calls, and had been told that the fire had started on the first floor and that flames were seen issuing from the window.

Once on scene, firefighters found the fire was significantly affecting the roof and upper floor of the house.

Station manager Dave Geddes, fire investigation officer at this incident, said: “The family inside the property had a really lucky escape. Unfortunately, smoke alarms inside the house did not activate, but they were all able to escape.

"Incidents of this nature remind us of the importance of working and well-maintained smoke alarms that are tested regularly.

"A smoke alarm will provide an early warning to a fire, giving you vital time to put an escape plan into action.”

Four breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reels and one main line were used to extinguish the fire, and an aerial ladder platform from Swindon was used to strip tiles from the roof of the property to check for fire spread.

As news spread across social media, people in Devizes rallied to offer safe spaces to stay as well as food or water for the fire-hit family.

The road was closed in both directions by police whilst emergency services responded.

Dave added: “The investigation into the cause of this fire is still underway, but we believe smoking materials were being used in the property at the time of the fire. I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that smoking can be extremely dangerous.

"The best way of protecting yourself and others in your home from this risk is to give up smoking altogether; failing that, only ever smoke outside. If you have to smoke indoors, remember to ‘put it out – right out’.”

Firefighters remained on scene until 9.05pm last night to ensure the fire was extinguished and the property was as safe as possible. Damage to the property is significant, they said.

Advice about staying safe from the causes of fire in your home, installing smoke alarms and contacting DWFRS about a Safe & Well visit can also be found at www.dwfire.org.uk