A number of animals were rescued from a Pets at Home store in Oxford after a fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon.

Three fire engines were called to multiple reports of a fire in the John Allen centre, Temple Cowley, Oxford.

Fire crews were faced with a developing fire at the rear of the Pets at Home store. Two Ffrefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the fire using hose reel jets.

With the fire extinguished, crews faced a large amount of smoke, which posed a danger to the animals trapped inside the store.

With additional crews arriving, positive pressure fans were used to clear the smoke and provide vital air to the animals while multiple breathing apparatus wearers were sent in, transferring the animals into potable cages, before bringing them to the staff outside.

Incident Commander Henri Ind, said: “The staff had done an excellent job evacuating the store and rescuing as many animals as they could safely. This allowed us to focus on extinguishing the fire and stopping it from spreading to neighbouring properties. 

“We evacuated the surrounding retail units as a precaution as the smoke travel between these were extensive.”

Crew Manager Ind continued: “We're also pleased to say that all the animals were safely rescued and, after a stressful few hours, are now back in their homes, being cared for by the staff.”

Picture courtesy of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.