Fire crews save industrial unit from blaze in Heyford Park, Upper Heyford

Fire crews were called to the scene in Camp Road shortly after 2.15pm today and found a large converted aircraft hangar was filled with smoke.

Staff at the hangar told crews an industrial paper shredder at the back of the unit was on fire and that they had tried to fight the flames with fire extinguishers.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a thermal imaging camera to locate the paper shredder and then extinguished the fire.

It is believed the blaze was caused by an electronic device which was accidentally placed in a waste paper bin and then fed into the shredder.

Fire and rescue service watch manager Chris Hollis said: "The actions of the company’s staff ensured that everyone was evacuated safely with no injuries and the unit was also particularly clean and tidy, which prevented this incident from developing into a much larger fire.

"On this occasion properly trained staff were able to use fire extinguishers to limit the growth of the fire, however we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that fire extinguishers should only be used by someone who has been trained and is confident in their use.

"Above all, you should never endanger your own safety in attempting to fight a fire yourself.”