Basement fire under Thame shop

Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire in a shop on the High Street in Thame at 8.04 am on Saturday 3 May 2014.

One of the fire engines in attendance at the Glynswood fire, outside Newitt’s next door

FOUR fire engines from Thame, Wheatley and Slade Park in Oxford, as well as Haddenham fire stations were sent to tackle a fire reported at Glynswood in the High Street, Thame, at 8.04 AM on Saturday,May 4.

Six fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus, and with  high pressure hose-reels entered the building with thermal imaging cameras to search the shop, ready to tackle a blaze. 

Fortunately the shop was unoccupied at the time, but a fire had developed un-noticed in the basement until the manager was alerted by the fire alarm and called 999. This action enabled fire crews to respond quickly and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent shops.

The fire damaged the basement of the shop and caused smoke damage to the ground floor.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire, but it is not thought to be suspicious.

Crew Manager, Kevin Morgan, said:  “Thanks to the swift actions of the shop manager, this fire was quickly reported and the fire crews were able to prevent it from damaging the shop and spreading to neighbouring shops.”

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