FIREFIGHTERS acted quickly 'in difficult conditions' to control a fire that had caught hold in the roof of a house.

The cause of the blaze in Abbott Road, Abingdon, is still being investigated.

Four crews were called at 3pm on Tuesday and worked quickly to stop the fire spreading to other parts of the detached house.

The owner had smelt smoke and made their way to safety and was cared for by the British Red Cross.

Once inside the building, firefighters aimed their hoses through the loft hatch and, working in conjunction with colleagues on ladders and a hydraulic platform outside, managed to put it out.

They stayed for several hours to damp down hot spots and cover up the roof to prevent further damage from the weather.

CM Cook from Abingdon fire station said: "On arrival my crew was faced with a severe fire in the roof space that could, quite easily, have spread to the whole house.

"The initial breathing apparatus crew worked incredibly hard to bring the fire under control in very difficult conditions.

"The resident was very lucky to have got out of the house when they did.

"I would urge everyone to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and if they suspect a fire, to get out and stay out of the property. Once out of the house call 999 for the fire service."