AN ELDERLY couple were treated by paramedics after a serious fire at their home in Buckfastleigh over the weekend.

The source of the blaze in Northwood Lane yesterday morning was a first floor bedroom’s airing cupboard which was destroyed.

More than 20 firefighters and back-up personnel were called to the scene just after 9am.

Flames crept up in to the roof space where the extent of the damage was estimated at about five per cent.

Four fire crews - from the town, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Bovey Tracey - dealt with the drama which left the property heavily smoke-logged.

A Red Cross Fire Victim Support team also attended the incident to help the couple with any essentials they might need in the wake of the fire.

A fire spokesman said the whole of the property’s first floor was damaged by smoke.

A positive pressure fan was brought by a Newton Abbot crew to clear the lingering smoke.

Four sets of breathing gear were worn by firefighters who used three jets to knock out the flames.

The spokesman confirmed the cause of the blaze was accidental.