A CHIMNEY in a thatched property near Winkleigh caught on fire last night.

Two fire engines from North Tawton and Chulmleigh were sent to the incident at 9.20pm.

On arrival the crews requested the attendance of a third appliance from Hatherleigh for extra manpower and the water carrier from Barnstaple.

A small fire involving a wood burning range had occurred. The crews gained access to the chimney stack through the first floor walls and used four hose reels, chimney gear, small tools and a thermal image camera to put out the fire.

There was 10% smoke and heat damage to a first floor bedroom.