The actions of three quick-thinking children were praised last night after they helped prevent a fire at a three-story home getting out of control.

Firefighters were called to the property in Lupin Road shortly after 5.45pm yesterday when they received a 999 call from a 13-year-old boy reporting that a house was on fire and a man - believed to be his grandfather - was unable to get out.

The teen was one of three children in the house at the time the blaze began but they were all able to make it safely outside.

The youngster stayed on the phone to the control centre at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service until the fire engines arrived. Three crews – two from Princes Street, one from Ipswich East – were sent to the scene and the older resident made his way outside to safety without assistance.

A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “When crews got to the scene they found a three-storey house well alight.

“Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus attacked the fire using a covering jet.

“A message was received confirming that all persons were accounted for and that an adult and three children were being assessed by paramedics.”

The blaze was reported under control by 6.17pm and the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that one crew went to the house and took the four patients, who had suffered smoke inhalation, to Ipswich Hospital.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire, which was completed by 9pm last night.

Speaking after the incident, Station Commander Chris Gibbs praised the actions of the children, adding: “The quick thinking of the children to get everyone out of the house and call 999 played a significant role in ensuring that no one was seriously hurt in this fire.

“If anyone discovers a fire in their property, our advice is always to shut the door to the fire if safe to do so, raise the alarm and then get out of the building and call the emergency services immediately.”