A mum-of-two has been praised for her quick-thinking actions at a devastating house fire in Hayle yesterday – although she says it was just what anyone else would have done.

It was by complete chance that Carey Ball had been picking up her children from her mum in Queensway on Friday morning, due to an exercise class being held early.

This meant that she was leaving for the school run from there instead, just as a house fire broke out further down the same street.

Carey, a children's entertainer at Perfect Parties, told the Packet: "As I was leaving to take my two to school I noticed the fire. It looked like little explosions and pops from the bedroom window."

Despite a lot of people standing outside watching, Carey was concerned that there could be someone in the house needing help, and after calling for her mum to ring 999 and look after the children she ran down to the house.

"At that point there was an elderly lady in a wheelchair and I think her carer on the grass; she had burnt her hand and was struggling to breath. At that moment the smoke got so much worse.

"I knew I needed to the move the ladies, so I grabbed the lady in the wheelchair and pushed her up the hill."

It was as she was returning to the other woman that Carey realised that the people in the neighbouring house may not be aware of what was happening.

With the fire moving through the roof space, Carey hammered on the door and managed to alert the woman inside, who was in the shower and had no idea about the danger unfolding next door.

Carey helped the woman out along with her dog, who was reluctant to leave, before returning to the other woman still on the grass.

"At this point the smoke was coming out and she would have been breathing smoke. Even thought I was outside I was covered in soot.

"People were standing there looking, so I said 'I need some help lifting her'. Everyone lifted her and moved her out the way, and that's when the fire brigade turned up."

There has been significant damage caused to the house involved, with the roof completely destroyed, but firefighters managed to save the neighbouring house, although it is believed there is water and smoke damage to the inside.

Carey said she had since heard both women were OK, although one had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Cornwall Air Ambulance had landed at the scene, but in the event the woman was taken by land ambulance.

Her actions have been praised on Facebook, with April Hogarth posting later that day: "Well done to the young ladies that alerted neighbours etc at this morning's fire at Queensway. Frightening for you but you need to give yourselves a pat on the back."

Lisa Ball replied: "That was my sister Carey Ball! Selfless. I hope the ladies are doing ok," and people were quick to agree, with another person writing: "Carey did absolutely amazing. Glad [you] could help move the lady to safety. I take my hat off to you."

Also among those commenting was Chris Wolstencroft, the incident commander from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service who was called to the scene. He said: "Not only was I really proud of our guys and girls, and the massive efforts they made to save the neighbouring property, but really proud to see all the community pulling together to help.

"We live in an amazing town and everyone involved should be very proud."

However, Carey said: "I'm just glad everyone was OK."

Adam Capon and Gordon Corr, who helped dragged one of the women out of the house and carry her onto the grass, Carrie Anne Daly and Debbie McDonald have also been named on social media as helping with the efforts, with Debbie saying: "Well done to everyone. It was very scary and theblack smoke was really awful."

Six fire engines were sent to the scene, with the two-storey building described as being "fully involved in fire."

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service advised people at the time to keep their windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area.

A fire investigation was due to be carried out today (Saturday).