FIREFIGHTERS were called to a kitchen fire which broke out at a house in Grove while the owners were out.

The blaze, which is thought to have started accidentally, broke out at a house in Carlton Close at about 7.40pm on Thursday night.

Neighbours alerted the fire service after hearing the smoke alarm. The homeowners were not in at the time.

Four fire engines, two from Wantage and two from Abingdon, attended the blaze and were met with a large fire in the kitchen.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using high pressure hoses.

No one was injured and the fire was extinguished quickly. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage.

Fire service watch manager Tony Whiting said. “It was really lucky that the neighbours were quick to act and call the fire service. Again, it’s testament to smoke alarms that their attention was drawn to the fire.

“Without the alarms we would be looking at a large house fire rather than a fire contained to the kitchen.

“The occupants of this property were extremely lucky.

Mr Whiting added: “It could have been worse and I would urge all residents to check their smoke alarms.”