A SMALL cooker hob fire caused the closure of a road in Oxford for several hours.

The fire took place inside a block of flats in Blackbird Leys Road earlier today (Monday, March 18).

Emergency services were alerted at about 1pm and six fire engines rushed to the building from Oxford, Kidlington, Didcot, and Abingdon. 

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On arrival, firefighters found a small fire on a cooker hob which had activated the sprinkler system, keeping the fire under control.

Oxford Mail:

The team was able to put out the fire and left the flats at about 2.30pm. 

An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Six fire engines attended from Oxford, Kidlington, Didcot and Abingdon fire stations.

"There was a small fire on a cooker hob, which actuated the sprinkler system, keeping the fire in check until the arrival of the fire service."

Several police vehicles could also be seen in the area to help keep the roads closed. 

Blackbird Leys Road was closed both ways between Pegasus Road and Cuddesdon Way.

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Reassuring eyewitnesses and residents, Oxford City Councillor Linda Smith said: "It was a fire in a kitchen. Sprinklers worked as they should and the fire was extinguished before the fire brigade arrived. No one is hurt."

Eyewitnesses in the area reported that they could not smell or see any smoke but did spot the six fire engines rushing to the building.

Thames Valley Police has also been asked for a statement about the incident.