UP TO 20 firefighters battled flames in a kitchen after an appliance set fire. 

Three fire engines rushed to Knights Road in Blackbird Leys just after midday today. 

The fire tore through the kitchen, leaving behind major damage and a ripped ceiling. 

The two residents were outside at the time, and became aware of the fire when the smoke alarm started to ring. 

Crews wearing breathing apparatus got into the house from the first floor and ground floor. 

The teams, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue stayed for an hour and a half to make sure the row of houses were safe. 

It is understood that the fire started in the kitchen, because of an electrical issue involving a tumble dryer or a chest freezer. 

Chris Barber, the station manager at Rewley Road and Slade who were at the incident said: "Thankfully, the occupiers were alerted to the fire from the smell of smoke and the smoke alarm. 

"Having the alarm fitted meant that they were able to get clear of the building by the time the fire crews arrived." 

According to Stagecoach Oxford, the road was closed off to motorists for a couple of hours.