Wet tea towels prevent more serious fire in Thame

FIRE FIGHTERS were called to a house in Thame on Wednesday, January 11, to reports of a kitchen fire.

On arrival at the property in Ormond Road, Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service crews were faced with smoke issuing from the kitchen to the rear of the property.

Positive Pressure Ventilation fans were subsequently used to remove any remaining smoke from the building. Luckily at the time of the fire the residents were inside the property and so were able to raise the alarm immediately.

Incident Commander, Watch Manager Andy Ford said: “Due to the swift actions of the occupier covering the dishwasher door with damp tea towels and a prompt emergency call to the Fire and Rescue Service, fire escalation and smoke damage to other parts of the building was prevented.

“Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind the public of the potential dangers of leaving any electrical appliance, such as dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers turned on, when going out or overnight, even if it’s only for a short period of time. We would also like to remind people of the importance of having working smoke alarms on every level of their homes.”