House fire in Bicester

On arrival the firefighters could see smoke coming from an open window on the first floor. Using breathing apparatus, they entered the property and found a fire in the bathroom involving the electric shower unit.

The crews quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it spreading further, although the property sustained heavy smoke damage.

Smoke alarms not operating

The property was fitted with smoke alarms but they were not operating. The occupier was able to evacuate the property unharmed.

The incident commander, Watch Manager Bob Lewis, said:  “I would like to remind people of the importance of having working smoke alarms fitted to their properties and to test them on a weekly basis, fortunately on this occasion the occupier was awake and was able to escape.”

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