PENSIONERS had a lucky escape after they were evacuated following a blaze in a nursing home.

The fire broke out in a bedroom at Old Prebendal House care home in Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, shortly after 5am on Saturday.

The flat was heavily smoke-logged, and firefighters had to use fire breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras to help bring the fire under control.

A faulty extractor fan was found to be the cause of the blaze, which firefighters said could have endangered the lives of the residents.

Incident Commander watch manager Steve Holland said: “Fire crews acted swiftly and were able to prevent the fire developing, with damage being restricted to a bathroom and lounge.”

Mr Holland added: “This incident again highlights the dangers of fire and the importance of having working smoke alarms.

“The early warning given by the fire alarm, the role of closed fire doors in containing the fire, together with the prompt professional action of staff on site all ensured that the affected part of the property was quickly evacuated prior to our arrival.

“And it ensured that smoke and fire damage to the rest of the property was minimised.”

He added: “The smoke from this fire could have endangered a lot of people had they not responded to the alarm and evacuated their rooms.”