Fire-fighters tackle roof fire to save house in Great Milton

AT LEAST thirty fire-fighters fought to save a property in Great Milton earlier this evening, after a fire started under its roof.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were called just after 5pm to a detached house in Great Milton. Initial crews arrived quickly and began by tackling the fire from the outside of the building. Further crews then entered the house wearing breathing apparatus to prevent the fire in the roof spreading to the rest of the house.

After knocking back the fire, crews used ladders to access both sides of the roof to prevent the fire from spreading undetected within the roof. Fire-fighters also undertook salvage operations inside the house to minimise damage to the owners property. At its peak, six fire engines and a specialist incident support vehicles were at the incident and over 30 fire-fighters worked in difficult conditions inside and outside the property to minimise the amount of damage the fire caused.

Nobody was hurt by the fire and the cause is yet to be determined. The fire started at the rear of the house and quickly took a hold of the roof. Group Manager Rob MacDougall who attended the fire said:  The initial crews had to make some quick decisions on how to tackle the fire. They were good decisions and they have reduced the overall impact of this incident. Our crews have shown great professionalism and determination to make sure the fire was dealt with and the owner’s property was salvaged. They have done a brilliant job! If this warm weather continues, people need to be extra vigilant and should consider our summer fire safety advice.”

The majority of crews had left the scene by 9pm but inspections will continue throughout the night.

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

SOURCE: Press release