Firefighters praised the quick-thinking actions of a resident who ensured that two bungalows only suffered minimal damage in a shed blaze started by an electrical fault.

Fire crews from Whittlesey, Stanground and Dogsthorpe were called to Snoots Road, Whittlesey, shortly before 5pm on Saturday after a shed, located between the two bungalows, caught fire.

Station commander Jamie Johnson said: “The resident in one of the bungalows smelt something unusual and immediately went to investigate the smell. As soon as she found the fire she got herself to safety and called the fire service.”

The resident the other bungalow, in which two windows were blown, was on holiday at the time.

Firefighters were at the scene for more than two hours – they had all returned to their stations by 7.15pm.

The shed and some fencing were destroyed, while damage to the bungalows was limited to the eaves and external fascias.

Mr Johnson said: “Combining this resident’s actions with the quick and efficient work of the firefighters, meant the fire did not spread to engulf the entirety of the bungalows but just caused minimal damage.

“We would like to praise the actions of the resident and encourage others to take note of her quick-thinking actions.”