Firefighters still battling major caravan park fire after 13 hours

The incident saw huge plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky from miles around last night (Sunday, July 12) from Fyfield Wick near Abingdon.

Residents were evacuated from the scene by emergency services and directed towards Kingston Colts Football Club, where they were being supported.

Now, as of 7am this morning (Monday, July 13), Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service crews are still at the site, fighting the major blaze.

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A statement made by the service today said: “Fire Crews from across the county and wider remain at the scene this morning following the significant fire that swept through Oaks caravan park and surrounding fields yesterday afternoon at Fyfield Wick, Nr Kingston Bagpuize.

“The first of over thirty 999 calls was received at 16:39 on Sunday, and at its height fourteen fire crews, seven specialist vehicles and additional officers from across Oxfordshire, supported by DWFireRescue, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service were tackling the fire. In total, around 125 firefighters have attended the incident to date.

“Supported by Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council Joint Oxfordshire Resilience Team, Rapid Relief Team UK, South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse District Council, and local organisations, evacuated residents were moved to safety at a centre set up at the nearby cricket ground.

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“Eleven further crews have been in attendance throughout the night dealing with the incident, with a presence still remaining on scene this morning.

“Fire Control staff from the joint Thames Valley Fire Control Service have spent the past twelve hours co-ordinating significant resource movements and ensuring fire cover across the wider Thames Valley, along with multiple other incidents.

“There are no reported injuries from the incident, and the cause of the fire is currently considered accidental. Fire investigation will continue today.

“Across the UK, fire crews have dealt with high numbers of incidents in the hot, dry weather and urge the public to continue to take additional care whilst the risk of fires starting remains very high.”

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A statement from a Thames Valley Police spokesperson last night (Sunday, July 12) said: “We are currently supporting Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at a fire at Oaks Caravan Park, Fyfield Wick, Abingdon.

“Evacuations are ongoing, and we would like to thank the community for following the advice of emergency services at the scene.

“Evacuated residents are being directed to Kingston Colts Football Club, where support is being provided.

“Road closures are currently in place on Faringdon Road, the A415 Kingston Road, A338 and Digging Lane.

“If you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed as a precaution.

“We recognise this may be uncomfortable given the current temperature, but it is important to help prevent smoke entering your property.

“If possible, please avoid the immediate area and allow emergency services the space they need to deal with the incident safely.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. We’ll share further updates when we can.”