Our hearts go out to everyone connected with Marsh Baldon Primary School after yesterday's fire.

It was devastating for pupils, staff, parents and governors to see one of the hubs of their community in ruins.

But as they salvage what they can from the wreckage, the question must be asked -- why did the school have no fire protection?

Two months ago, the school asked the council to link it with the automatic fire detection system, but were told it was not necessary.

Fire officers say that if it had had such equipment, fire crews would have been on the scene more quickly and the fire might not have caused so much damage.

We know it is easy to be wise after the event. County council staff are no more successful at crystal ball gazing than the rest of us.

As householders, we are constantly urged to have fire detectors in their homes, yet we allow many of our school buildings to remain unprotected.

The bill of equipping every school in Oxfordshire is obviously an issue, but cost should not be measured only in money.

As Marsh Baldon found out in heartbreaking fashion yesterday, the cost in terms of loss can often be immeasurable.