Fire in South Oxhey loft (From Watford Observer)

A fire in a South Oxhey house has been extinguished

2:33pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

A family from South Oxhey had to be evacuated from their home after the roof caught fire.

The blaze started in the loft of a house in Hoylake Gardens, at about 1.10pm today. Four fire engines and police officers were called.

When the fire service arrived the found the roof of the semi-detached house alight, and used two jets and two hose reels to extinguish it.

Six firefighters with breathing apparatus were also used, as it appeared the fire had started on the ground floor and spread to the first floor and loft.

A plume of smoke could be seen issuing into the snow-leaden skies, as the team of firefighters battled to bring the fire under control.

Only when the blaze was out could the full damage be seen; a gaping hole left in the roof, and black smoke marks staining the walls and windows.

The gas and electric board were called to investigate possible damage to the supply, and a fire investigation has also been launched.