A Banbury woman made the mistake of preparing an early morning snack before sitting down to watch television, according to firefighters who attended a blaze at her house.

They said she was lucky to escape unharmed when a pan on a stove caught light in her first-floor flat in Banbury early yesterday.

The fire, which broke out shortly before 4.30am, caused heavy smoke-logging to three adjoining flats and the lobby at St John's Court properties off the Calthorpe Road.

Three people managed to make their way to safety before the arrival of two crews from the local fire station.

The firefighters, wearing breathing sets, led six other people to safety while colleagues damped down flames and cut away a scorched section of ceiling timber.

The woman was given oxygen before being taken to The Horton Hospital for a check-up.

Sub-officer Chris Spencer, who was in charge of the operation, said that none of the self-contained flats were fitted with smoke detectors.

"The lady made the mistake of switching on the TV and putting a pan on the stove, and the next thing she knew the kitchen was full of smoke.

He stressed the life-saving benefits of fitting smoke detectors in domestic properties, and the need to maintain them properly.

"I can't emphasise enough the dangers of not having detectors in a home. Smoke does the damage -- it kills people," he said.

Ring the county fire safety helpline on 01865 719900 for free advice.