QUICK-THINKING builders helped save an Oxford property from being destroyed by fire after an iron was left on.

The house fire in Hayfield Road early this morning was spotted by builders outside the property who were alerted when smoke alarms sounded.

Two fire engines from Rewley Road and Slade Park first stations attended the incident.

The left on iron was removed from the property and high power fans used to ventilate the smoke-filled ground floor.

Rewley Road Fire Station incident commander watch manager Ricky Thomas said: "Due to the prompt action taken by the builders when they heard the smoke alarm sounding, we were swiftly notified and on scene within minutes of the call, this meant we were able to quickly resolve the incident and reduce further damage to the property from both fire and smoke.

"I urge everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms on each floor of their homes and to test them each week."

Nobody was in the property at the time.