Thick ice left two adults and a child trapped in their cars at the ford in Sidmouth, unable to get up the slopes yesterday (Tuesday).
Firefighters were called to Mill Street at about 9.15am after two vehicles were left stranded, after attempting to use the crossing.
One pump from Sidmouth attended and found one vehicle with an adult in it and a second with a mother and her young child.
A Devon and Cornwall Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the crew used salt and grit to defrost the ice and make a path for the vehicles to drive out.
They then cordoned off the Ford and requested highways to attend to assess the road.
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