Investigation launched after major fire at Goring Heath

A blaze broke out at Goring Heath, on a small industrial site off the B4526 on the Oxfordshire border with Buckinghamshire at about 2pm on Monday, July 27.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the fast-developing incident alongside Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Crews, with a total of 14 appliances and a number of officers tackling the fire at its peak.

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It burnt out buildings, vehicles, pallets and vegetation on the site before spreading into a nearby tree line and surrounding fields, the fire service confirmed.

Smoke seen rising from the blaze at Goring Heath from Cholsey Hill on Monday, July 27 (Image: Contributed)

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters worked in extremely challenging conditions throughout the afternoon, undertaking arduous firefighting operations to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further to nearby properties and land.

“Their efforts were successful in surrounding the fire and limiting its impact on the wider area.”

As the incident progressed through the afternoon the fire service scaled back the crews on site to six appliances during the early evening, and two remain on the scene today (Tuesday).

Long Toll Road, off the B4526 in Goring, remains closed on Tuesday ‘to support ongoing operations’.

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The spokesperson added: “The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and a fire investigation is underway.

“We would like to thank residents and members of the public for their patience and cooperation while emergency services dealt with this incident.”

South Oxfordshire District Councillor for Goring and South Stoke, Maggie Filipova-Rivers, shared an update on the situation.

Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers (Image: South Oxfordshire District Council)

Cllr Filipova-Rivers said: “The combination of strong winds, high temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions made the fire particularly challenging, with crews working to prevent it from spreading beyond the site.

“The presence of flammable gas cylinders, some of which exploded during the early stages of the incident, meant firefighters had to work carefully to contain the blaze while keeping crews safe.”

She said the efforts of the emergency responders and their swift response prevented the blaze from developing into a major incident, and no injuries were reported.

The councillor added: “This is one of several large fires attended by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service during the recent spell of hot, dry weather.

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“It is a timely reminder of the increased fire risk, and I would encourage everyone to take extra care when enjoying the countryside by avoiding open flames, disposing of cigarettes safely and reporting any signs of fire immediately.

“My thanks go to all of the firefighters and emergency service personnel who responded so quickly and worked in extremely difficult conditions to protect nearby properties, businesses and the surrounding countryside.

“My thoughts are also with the business owners affected by the fire, who now face the difficult task of recovering from this incident.”