A BUNGALOW in Oxford was almost destroyed in a fire while the owner was away.

A passer-by called 999 after they spotted smoke coming from the house in Ethelred Court in Headington at 12.30am this morning.

Four crews from Rewley Road and Slade Park raced to the scene, taking an aerial ladder platform.

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On arrival they were faced with a well-developed fire in the roof space.

Eight firefighters wearing breathing apparatus made their way into the property where they were faced ‘very hot’ and ‘arduous’ working conditions.

They used high pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire that had taken hold in the entire roof space.

Oxford Mail:

Working in conjunction with the aerial ladder platform, the firefighters inside the house managed to bring the fire under control.

Crews also salvaged much of the owner’s belongings.

Incident Commander Station Manager Paul Webster said: “On arrival my crews were faced with a severe fire in the roof space of this property that could, quite easily, have spread to the whole house.

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

He added: “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 and rescue service.”

The cause of the fire is still being investigated by specialist officers.