FIREFIGHTERS have urged residents to keep doors shut between rooms, after a fire threatened to take hold of a home in Banbury.

Two residents fled their home in Hearthway shortly before 7pm last night, after a fire started to spread from one of the bedrooms.

The pair evacuated to the pavement outside after smoke alarms began ringing.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service crews arrived quickly to see smoke swirling from windows of the terraced home, and the entire first floor completely choked with smoke.

They hosed down the flames and blew smoke from the building using a high-pressure fan, as ambulance crews assessed the residents.

Neither needed medical treatment.

Incident commander and crew manager Mr Sturt, of Banbury Red Watch, said: "Unfortunately the doors in this property were left open and that is why the entire first floor has been severely affected by the smoke and flames.

"Wherever it is safe to do so, it is recommended that you close room doors behind as you leave the property.

"This contains the fire into the room of origin, and aids in preventing its spread and therefore minimises the damage that it causes."

He stressed the importance of fire safety and urged people to check smoke alarms, never leave candles unattended, ensure electrical items are switched off when not in use and always stamp out cigarettes properly.

He added: "Thankfully the occupiers of this property were alerted by working smoke alarms and were able to vacate the property in good time. 

"I would like to advise everyone to formulate an emergency plan, considering the actions that they will take if they are unfortunate enough to suffer a fire in their home.

"Having such a plan can save vital time in your evacuation."

Specialist fire investigation officers will return to the house today to determine how the fire started.