A house fire in Oxford was accidental, a specialist investigation unit has determined.

Four fire crews from Slade Park Fire Station, Rewley Road Fire Station and Wheatley Fire Station attended a large blaze on Routh Road in Barton on Friday night (March 31) at around 7.45pm.  

The property was well alight on the first floor and roof and the fire was visible from a large area.

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One resident on neighbouring Cranley Road was driving home when he saw flames coming from the side of the house, a semi-detached property near the junction with Humfrey Road.

 

“I thought ‘this is the thickest mist I’ve ever seen'. You couldn’t see two metres in front,” he said.

“I drove a little bit further and you could just see flames coming out the gable end. It was licking the top of the windows.”

The fire was under control by 9pm.

Using eight sets of breathing apparatus, crews were able to search the premises to ensure that everyone was accounted for.

They also prevented the fire from spreading to the adjoining property,

Any affected residents were supported by the Oxfordshire County Council emergency planning department and Oxford City Council.

Fire crews revisited the house throughout Friday night and an investigation took place by a specialist fire investigation unit on Saturday (April 1).

Oxford Mail: