CHARGING lithium batteries caused a fire at a home near Ashburton last night, Wednesday.

Shortly before 9pm three fire appliances from Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and Bovey Tracey were sent to Welstor nr Ashburton, following a call from the occupier of a property who, on returning home, could see smoke and flames in their property.

Everyone was confirmed to be out of the property during the initial call.

Fire control said: ‘Shortly after our crews arrived on scene and entered the house they quickly located the source of fire, which had started accidentally, involving 2 lithium batteries on charge in a ground floor room.

‘The fire had quickly spread from the batteries, causing considerable damage.

‘Crews used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and small tools to access the fire spread and extinguish it.

‘A thermal imaging camera was then used to check for hotspots before crews made the area safe.

By 5.30am this morning, Thursday, Fire Control reported: ‘They remained on scene for some time as the property was heavily smoke logged. ‘There were no casualties and this incident is now complete.’