A 'discarded cigarette' is thought to have sparked a house fire in Cowley, Oxford.
Firefighters found smoke billowing from the fron door and flames escaping from an upstairs window when called to a house in Fernhill Road yesterday.
It happened shortly after 5.30pm and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it believes it was started by a 'carelessly discarded cigarette'.
Residents home at the time heard the fire alarm and were out the house before firefighters got there.
Crew manager Jason Clifford, from Slade Fire Station, said: "I would urge the public to discard their cigarettes in a safe manner using a suitable container and making sure they are fully extinguished and also to keep doors closed to limit smoke and fire damage to the property.
"Fortunately, on this occasion the occupier had working smoke alarms on each floor, which alerted all persons concerned to the fire and allowed plenty of time for emergency evacuation procedures to be put into place."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article