MULTIPLE Oxfordshire fire crews extinguished a 'serious workshop fire' in Bicester yesterday afternoon.
It is understood that no one was hurt during the incident at Lisseters furniture shop and that there was only damage to the store's workshop.
However, occupiers were treated by South Central Ambulance Service for possible smoke inhalation.
At least seven engines were in attendance at Church Street, Kings End, for what police described as a 'shed fire', just before 1pm.
The roof on the workshop collapsed and smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from a 'considerable distance' according to fire services. Crews in breathing apparatus gained access through surrounding buildings.
Kings End, junction to Queens Avenue closed due to a shed fire. Access to Community Hospital and doctors only. pic.twitter.com/9Ww9xx5AS1
— TVP_Bicester (@TVP_Bicester) May 30, 2018
Bicester Fire Station said they attended, alongside crews from Oxford (Rewley Road and Slade Park), Wheatley and Buckingham.
The workshop belonged to family-run Lisseters, which has its shop in King's End.
Three generations of the Lisseter family have been involved in the furniture trade since 1947.
The team thanked firefighters and everyone who came to their aid for the 'tremendous' work.
Specialist appliances from Oxford, Kidlington and Woodstock were also used.
Bicester station also thanked the nearby Littlebury Hotel and local police for their support.
One local said it was 'lucky' the shop's thatched roof and the nearby hotel had not been caught up in the fire.
The fire is believed to have been accidental.
The initial incident commander, Crew Manager Chris Philpott from Bicester Fire Station said: “Crews worked hard to contain the fire to the workshop, and importantly stop it spreading anywhere further in difficult conditions.
"Fortunately the occupiers on discovering the fire didn’t enter the building, and called the fire service immediately and on arrival were then able to give us vital information on the contents and assist with access.
"The area was not fitted with some alarms which would have undoubtedly alerted them to the fire earlier, but importantly once they discovered the fire they left the area, which meant no-one was seriously injured during the incident."
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