SHOCKED residents say they are lucky to be alive after a blaze ripped through Ottery s Old Fire station early this morning.

SHOCKED residents say they are lucky to be alive after a blaze ripped through Ottery's Old Fire station early this morning.

A Batts Lane couple fled their home amidst raining roof tiles and thick smoke as flames engulfed the roof of the neighbouring station at around 6am.

The venue had been packed with Tar Barrels disco revellers just hours earlier.

Fire crews raced to the scene and battled flames to stop the inferno spreading to the King's Arms pub, which has suffered minor damage.

The Old Fire Station has been deemed unsafe by investigators who are waiting to investigate the cause of the blaze, which is currently unknown.

Fire Service group manager Mal Swallow said six residents were evacuated from their homes.

"We're very lucky to be alive. If we hadn't of got out we would be dead from the smoke," said Emma and Richard Ibbeson, who were woken by a loud explosion.

"We are very worried about our home," they added.

The Highways Agency has set up a number of road closures.

Keep checking this website for updates

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