CREWS from Kingsbridge and Salcombe fire stations were called to an underground fire in an electrical link box in Fore Street, Salcombe on Sunday morning.

A spokesperson for Kingsbridge Fire Station said: ‘These sorts of incidents can be extremely dangerous. The gases build up underground and can cause explosions, throwing the covers high in the air.

‘On our arrival, the crew from Salcombe Fire Station had cordoned off the area to keep members of the public safe and out of harms way.

‘They then stood by to extinguish the fire when Western Power confirmed the power was off.’

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said: ‘The fire service were called to reports of the fire by Western Power. Upon arrival, the crews confirmed smoke and flames were issuing from underground.

‘Crews got to work using two breathing apparatuses and one dry powder extinguisher.

‘Western Power confirmed they had isolated the power.

‘At 10.45am crews confirmed the small fire in the underground electrical joint was now out. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental.’

A spokesperson for Western Power said: ‘The fire was caused by a joint failure in an underground plant.

‘As a result, 33 people lost power at 9.50am and a further 15 from 11.15am.

‘All power was restored by 5pm.’