FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their quick action in putting out a fire in a block of six studio flats at Wardleworth Way, Wellington, last Saturday.

The flat of Stephen ‘Jamesy’ James was damaged when his cooker and kitchen caught fire.

Mr James managed to escape before fire engines from Wellington and Taunton arrived to put out the blaze.

Mr James at first tried to tackle the fire on his own and later needed four hours of oxygen treatment after suffering smoke inhalation.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “A neighbour living in the block of flats reported smelling smoke and was concerned when there was no answer from the flat in question when they tried to knock on the door and raise the alarm.

“Crews from Wellington were on the scene within minutes and confirmed that the male occupant was luckily able to self-rescue but he was suffering from smoke inhalation.

“While four firefighters wearing apparatus entered the property to locate the source of the smoke, other fire personnel looked after the occupant, administrating oxygen therapy, until the ambulance crew arrived.

“The fire, which started accidentally and involved a toaster, was extinguished by removing an item out into the open.”

The spokesperson added: “As the fire was located and extinguished quickly, the kitchen, flat and remaining flats in the building sustained some damage.

“Other than the occupant of the flat concerned, there were no other casualties.”