Three people were led to safety last night after fire ripped through the kitchen of a first-floor flat.

Fire chiefs said the blaze - thought to have been caused by an unattended candle - was just minutes from spreading to the rest of the block.

Fire crews and paramedics rushed to the flats - close to the fire station in The Slade, Headington, Oxford - when resident Carol Smith raised the alarm just before midnight.

Although the flat is believed to have had a smoke alarm, it failed to work. Fire officers said the battery could have been low or disconnected. Ms Smith, 51, and a friend, Alan Lewis, 48, were led to safety along with next-door neighbour Norman Kelly.

Sub-Officer Bernard Ward from the Slade Fire Station said it was very lucky Ms Smith had woken up and raised the alarm.

He said: "A couple more minutes and the fire would have taken a strong hold."

Ms Smith was treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital for the effects of smoke.

The Oxford Mail is campaigning to get every household in Oxfordshire to fit a smoke alarm - and check them regularly.

Story date: Wednesday 27 January

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