31/07/13…..Unattended cooking causes Thame fire

LUCKILY for a Thame householder yesterday, the sound of smoke alarms alerted neighbours to a fire after cooking was left unattended in a flat in the town.

Oxfordshire’s Fire and Rescue Service was called to the fire in Churchill Crescent, in Thame, at 17:21 yesterday (30/07/13) by the quick-acting neighbour who spotted smoke after being alerted by smoke detectors.

Four fire engines attended from Thame, Haddenham, Slade Park and Wheatley fire stations. On arrival, fire-fighters could see smoke issuing from the house.
Fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the house to search for the missing occupants and extinguish the fire, preventing it spreading to further parts of the property. Fortunately there was no-one in the house at the time of the fire.

Crew Manager, StevenLockwood said: ?Unattended cooking is one of the most common causes of fires occurring in the home. The occupiers in this case were fortunate that they had smoke alarms which alerted the neighbours or the situation could have been far worse.

“Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone that leaving cooking unattended could have serious consequences for you and your home. You should also have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and test it once a week.”

Visit www.365alive.co.uk for fire safety advice. If you have a fire safety question please call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk