A FIREFIGHTER was injured as he tackled a blaze started by arsonists at a disused park ranger’s house on the edge of Oxford.

Fire crews were called after firebugs struck at West Hill farmhouse in Shotover Country Park, at Headington, on Sunday at about 5.45pm.

As firefighters battled to stop the flames setting light to nearby trees, one of them suffered a dislocated shoulder. He is expected to be off work for at least two months.

Witney fire station manager Paul Bremble, who attended the incident with about 20 firefighters from Oxford and Wheatley, said smoke could be seen coming from the boarded-up house when crews arrived.

The 40-year-old, who has been a firefighter for 17 years, said: “Someone broke in through the front door and started fires in the front room and on the stairs.

“Firefighters went into the house to tackle the fire and to make sure no-one was inside.

“During the incident a firefighter was injured and was taken to hospital.

“He suffered a painful injury but it’s lucky that it wasn’t more serious.

“This type of incident can put people’s lives at risk. We would urge people not to start fires and to think of the consequences when playing with fire.

“With the house situated in Shotover Park, in these dry conditions this could have easily spread to the surrounding woodland if the fire service not been called so quickly.

“Being a firefighter can be a dangerous job, but fortunately it’s rare for a firefighter to be injured.”

Mr Bremble said a investigation was now under way into how the firefighter was injured.

He added that police were investigating the incident and Oxford City Council was contacted to make sure that the ruined building was made secure.

Dc Arran Cliff, of Oxford CID, said: “This happened at a very quiet location near Shotover Common. A substantial amount of damage has been caused.”