Firefighters responding to an activated smoke alarm in Long Eaton came across an 'exorcism' once they had arrived at the scene.
Crews from Stapleford Fire Station were called to the incident in Kirkstone Court just before midday on Monday, August 17.
It was said the incident turned out to be a false alarm caused by smoke from the burning of sage during the religious practice, which is claimed to banish a demon from a possessed person.
Burning sage is also sometimes used as a barrier to prevent other spirits entering a room, an ancient practice that dates back hundreds of years.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Team Stapleford have been attending a number of incidents and have just returned from a false alarm in Long Eaton.
"This was a false alarm caused by a the smoke from an exorcism. Sage had been lit and triggered the smoke detection system."
Kevin Tedds, watch commander for Northamptonshire and an on-call firefighter for Nottinghamshire, added: "Just caught up with [Stapleford Fire Station] who had an unusual incident today.
"The stop message was 'alarm caused by excessive smoke from exorcism'. No two days are the same in this job."
