Firefighters prevented a blaze spreading to two neighbouring homes after flames from a burning shed between the properties leapt 15ft into the air.
Two crews from Melton fire station were on the scene of the blaze in Hawthorn Drive in the town within five minutes of the call at about 6.30pm yesterday.
Tenants in one of the homes said it was the quick action of the firefighters which prevented serious damage to either of the rented properties.
A gas pipe in one of the properties ruptured during the incident forcing fire crews to evacuate a third property.
Firefighters was due to the return to scene of the blaze this morning for a re-inspection and to determine the cause of the blaze.
