ThameNews.Net

29/04/12...Thame house severely damaged by fire -

A HOUSE in Thame has been severely damaged by fire and smoke.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire at around 7pm on Saturday evening (28/04) in Garden City, Thame.

A statement from the Fire and Rescue Service states: "Four fire appliances from Thame, Haddenham, Wheatley and Slade attended the incident, and upon arrival it was clear that there was an established fire in the living room and the property was heavily smoke logged. Fire Crews wearing Breathing apparatus entered the house and quickly extinguished the fire. Pressurised fans were then used to clear smoke from the premises. None of the occupants were at home at the time of the fire. The fire was discovered by neighbours hearing smoke alarms activating.

Incident Commander Steve Lockwood, from Thame Fire Station, said “ The fire could have been far worse if the neighbours had not heard the smoke alarms and call the Fire and Rescue Service, smoke had already started to spread into the adjoining house.”

“This incident highlights the importance of smoke alarms, not only as an early warning for evacuation but also for the early discovery of fire. We would also like to remind people of the importance of having a fire plan which includes the closing of internal doors, having doors closed not only slows fire spread but also greatly reduces the amount of smoke damage to other areas of the property.”