A WOMAN and two children were feared trapped inside a burning building as a major house fire took hold in Marlow last night.

Fire crews from High Wycombe, Marlow and Stokenchurch were called to the mid-terrace property in Jarry Court at about 1.52am.

But as crews stopped the blaze from spreading along the terrace of five homes it became clear that no one was left inside the stricken building.

Watch Manager Neil Bressington from High Wycombe Fire Station, the initial incident commander, said: “When we arrived we were faced with a fully developed fire at the rear of the house, and a lot of confusion as to whether there was anyone inside.

“Our priorities were to suppress the fire, prevent it from spreading to adjacent premises and carry out a search for the people who were reported missing.”

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and carrying thermal imaging cameras entered the house and carried out a thorough search. They were able to confirm no-one was left trapped inside.

The fire destroyed the roof and left the ground floor and first floor severely damaged by smoke fire and heat.

Watch Manager Bressington added: “For a while it looked as if it would be difficult to prevent the fire from spreading along the terrace. However, there is minimal damage to the adjacent properties – it was a first-class job by the crews at a very difficult incident.”

Firefighters stayed at the scene all night, and a reinspection is due to take place this morning. An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.