A factory hit by a spectacular fire should be back into full production by next Wednesday.

The speedy return to work at traffic cone makers JSP Ltd in Standlake is largely due to the efforts of staff and firefighters, said spokesman Dr Geoff Knight.

"They did a tremendous job," he said yesterday. . "The cause of the fire is still being looked into, but employees who put up a fire break and the fire brigade itself were wonderful."

Flames and smoke from the blaze late on Thursday afternoon could be seen as far away as Abingdon.

Seventy firefighters were called to the scene as drums of liquid plastic exploded into the air.

Amazingly, damage was limited to a temporary office, which was completely destroyed, and the concrete exterior of one side of the factory. Some of the electric wiring was also hit.

The plant is one of three sites run by JSP and has ten employees making the bases for traffic cones.

Dr Knight, main board director, said: "We have already done a lot of clearing and it should be finished on Tuesday, so that on Wednesday we will be back in normal production.

"The fire started during work time and was undoubtedly accidental. There are hot materials going in and out of the works and there was a strong wind blowing which could easily have fanned a spark into flames."

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