Oxford family 'loses everything' in tumble dryer fire

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service The damaged flatOxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
The fire severely damaged the first floor flat in Oxford

A mother and three children have escaped a tumble dryer fire which devastated their first floor flat.

Fire crews found flames coming out of the kitchen window of the property in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, shortly before midday on Friday.

Fire officers praised the residents' quick evacuation of the property.

An online fundraising page said the family - including an infant girl and boys aged five and 12 - had "lost everything".

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service  Crews at the scene in Blackbird LeysOxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Three fire crews tackled the blaze on Friday

The page, in the name of a family friend, has so far raised more than £800.

Three fire engines spent more than three hours tackling the blaze and clearing smoke.

Incident commander Shaun Lewis said: "The resident's quick evacuation was excellent.

"[I] would like to remind everyone to test their smoke alarms once a week, ensuring they work and that closing doors can confine a fire and stop smoke damage."

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