AN IRON that was left switched on is believed to have caused a house fire in east Oxford.
Firefighters from Slade Park and Rewley Road fire stations were called to reports of a property on fire on Barns Road, Cowley, at 8pm on Saturday .
Crews rushed to the incident and on arrival were faced with a smouldering fire that had been burning for some time, but was almost out.
They entered the property wearing breathing apparatus to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and the home ventilated using high-powered fans.
Following investigations into the incident, the fire service believes an iron left unattended for a few hours caused the blaze.
Crew manager Mike Brooker said: “It is important that any domestic appliance that is not designed to be left on should always be turned off with the plug removed.
"This case highlights the dangers faced when distraction can play a role in safety.
"Although the property had working smoke alarms no one was alerted by the owner’s smoke alarms sounding, if you hear an alarm sounding and you are unsure please call us to investigate.
"We would rather the call be a false alarm than someone’s property being damaged."
One day earlier, crews from Slade Park and Rewley Road extinguished a canal boat fire on Roger Dudman Way, near Oxford Station.
Firefighters were alerted at 6.29pm on Friday and on arrival were faced with an established fire in the rear of the boat.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly gained access and extinguished the fire, which prevented the blaze from spreading and causing serious damage.
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