Oxford tower block evacuated as six fire engines arrive

The incident took place at Forester Tower in Wood Farm shortly before 6pm on Saturday evening (May 2).

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, spotted multiple fire engines at the scene while travelling on the bus in the area.

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The tower block was evacuated. (Image: Public Submission)

“It must have been very recent, as there was no traffic piled up,” they told this newspaper.

“There were five fire engines outside the tower, and more arrived not long after.

“People were being evacuated from the building, but I couldn’t see any smoke, though. I hope everyone was alright.”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed today (Tuesday, May 5) that an alarm had been sounded due to “cooking fumes”.

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The fire engines at Wood Farm. (Image: Public Submission)

A spokesperson for the service said: “We were called on at 5.55pm, sending six fire engines from Slade Park, Rewley Road, Wheatley, Thame and Abingdon fire stations to Forrester’s Tower, Wood Farm Road, Oxford.

“Crews were responding to reports of smoke on the second floor of the building.

“However, there was no fire; the alarm was a result of cooking fumes.

“Nevertheless, as a precaution, crews did a thorough check of the affected part of the building to ensure residents were safe. They departed at 6:20pm.”