THE managing director of a laundry firm said firefighters “saved the day” after a fire broke out at the premises.

More than half of the 80-year-old Burford Laundry building had been affected by the blaze which broke out on Tuesday evening, said owner Philip Hall.

Mr Hall said: “We were absolutely amazed at the firefighters’ speed in getting to the fire and getting it all under control.

“They managed to stop it spreading to other buildings and they managed to save a lot of the property.

“Their reaction saved the day.”

Mr Hall also praised his staff at the laundry in Witney Street for keeping the business open yesterday.

He said: “The Burford Laundry team are doing a fantastic job in keeping the laundry open.

There’s been an awful lot of effort from the team including Sharon Caine and Teerina Clarke.”

Police spokesman Chris Kearney yesterday ruled out arson as the cause of the massive fire.

The blaze broke out at the laundry just after 9.30pm on Tuesday and was tackled by firefighters from Burford, Witney, Bampton, Eynsham and Kidlington stations.

Fire crews remained at the scene until 4pm on Wednesday.