A FAMILY fled from their home in Bicester as an 'out of control' fire spread from the garage.

Firefighters said billowing smoke from the fire in St Hughs Close could be seen from almost a mile away last night, and they received 20 calls from concerned neighbours within 10 minutes.

Flames were sparked in the garage and car port and quickly spread to the house and a neighbour's home, leaving a pile of blackened ash and stripping the flat roof of its fabric.

Oxford Mail:

Four fire engines were sent to the scene at 9.50pm yesterday and surrounded the flames to stop them spreading.

Family members had noticed the blaze from a first floor window, and tried to extinguish it themselves before realising the severity of the fire.

They evacuated immediately after - taking their dog with them - and called for help. 

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said gas and electrical supplies to the house had to be 'severely damaged' in order to manage the fire.

This led to power cuts at a 'large number of homes' in North Bicester and Glory Farm for several hours overnight, it said.

Crew manager Pete Mackay of Bicester Fire Station said: "Had this fire been 30 minutes later the occupants would have been asleep and this could have been a very different outcome."

Firefighters did not state how the fire had started, other than it was accidental. 

Mr Mackay, who was the initial incident commander, added: "Crews worked extremely hard in difficult conditions to contain the fire to the outbuildings and kitchen and, importantly, stop it spreading further including to the neighbouring property. 

"Fortunately the occupiers on discovering the fire, after quickly seeing it was out of control, exited and called us immediately and were able to give us vital information on the contents of the property.

"Fortunately the house was fitted with smoke alarms which activated as soon as the fire spread, which would have made a major difference in ensuring their safety.

"We would urge everyone to ensure they have a working smoke alarm on each level of their house and have a plan of what to do in the event of fire, and ensure doors are closed to give you the best possible protection."

Oxfordshire County Council’s emergency planning department worked with utility companies to check vulnerable residents were safe while electricity and gas were affected.