FIREFIGHTERS do not know how a bonfire in Oxford, which destroyed five outbuildings, “spread out of control.”

Five fire engines from Rewley Road, Slade, Watlington and Abingdon were called to Littlemore at about 9.50pm on Saturday night (13).

The spreading fire involved several sheds, hedges and trees across the rear gardens of six properties.

READ MORE: Bonfire spreads out of control destroying FIVE buildings in Oxford

Crews used six hose-reels and two main jets to get the first under control before it could spread to nearby houses and no injuries were reported.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service left the scene at 11.58pm but they did re-attend as part of a planned reinspection later that night at around 4am.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It is unknown how the fire spread out of control [and] no detail is on the log to indicate if any discussions took place with the people who started the bonfires.

“[The service] discourages the use of bonfires or indeed any open fire during this spell of dry weather.

“The risks can be seen throughout the country and indeed throughout parts of Europe where open fires, barbeques and the careless disposal of smoking materials have contributed to fires.

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“These fires can cause widespread damage, not to mention implications to people’s health and wellbeing.

“We would like to remind everyone that in the exceptionally dry and hot conditions even a small bonfire can spread from a stray ember or dry vegetation very quickly.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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