Firefighters tackled a fast-developing fire inside a church after villagers reported seeing smoke.

Alert villagers called the fire service after a fire broke out within Fernham Church, near Faringdon over the weekend.

On discovery, five fire engines from Faringdon, Wantage, Abingdon, supported by two crews from Swindon, were quickly on the scene to tackle the blaze, which started inside and was developing significantly.

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An aerial appliance from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services along with the Incident Support Unit from Eynsham also attended, as well as Thames Valley Police for traffic control.

Fire crews were able to quickly tackle the fire using hose-reels and breathing apparatus and limit the fire to a corner of the roof.

The fire was investigated by specialist fire investigation officers and found to be accidental.

Fire crews worked with local church members to minimise the damage from firefighting and protect the church.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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