‘Devoted’ husband and father killed in Cotswolds fire

The blaze broke out on Monday (August 3) in fields behind houses in Chipping Campden, just across the Oxfordshire border in Gloucestershire.

74-year-old gardener and landscaper Francis Owens died at the scene after a large fire erupted in dry fields behind Berrington Road and Castle Gardens.

Emergency services received multiple 999 calls at 5.38pm reporting a fast‑moving blaze.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said 13 fire engines were deployed at the height of the incident.

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Deputy chief fire officer Nathaniel Hooton said: “We were called at 5.38pm on Monday 3 August following multiple reports from members of the public about a large fire in fields behind Berrington Road and Castle Gardens in Chipping Campden.

“As a service, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and to the wider community.

“At the height of the incident, 13 fire engines were in attendance. This was a multi‑agency response.

“We worked extremely hard with colleagues from neighbouring fire services to bring the fire under control.”

Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that Mr Owens, from the local area, was declared dead at the scene.

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A police spokesperson said: “Following a fire in Chipping Campden last night, a man in his 70s from the local area was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

“His family and the coroner have been informed, and our thoughts remain with all those who knew him at this time.

“Police do not suspect any third party involvement in the death.2

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Owens’ son Patrick described his father as “the Renaissance man of Chipping Campden” and an “amazing father” who had been devoted to his wife Mandy for 50 years.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and Gloucestershire Police and the fire service say investigations are continuing.