Bicester Village fire started in shop roof as 7 crews called

Seven fire crews from multiple fire stations were sent to the blaze that started in the roof of the Bulberry store.

The public was quickly evacuated this morning after the fire was first reported at the shopping complex. 

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The fire was extinguished using hose reel jets and ladders as well as exposing part of the roof to access the fire.

Crews came from fire stations in Bicester, Rewley Road, Slade Park, Deddington, Eynsham and Warwickshire.

The majority of the fire crews left the scene between 11:30am to 12pm.

A Bicester Village spokesman described the incident as “minor” and said it was “fully under control”.

Speaking at Monday lunchtime, he said: “Bicester Village is open for trading. There was a minor incident this morning that is fully under control thanks to the prompt action of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.” 

An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “Crews dealt with a fire in the roof of a shop.

“The fire was extinguished using hose reel jets, ladders and exposing part of the roof to access fire.

“An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the fire.”

The village opened again for trading at around 11.36am after staff returned to shops at around 11.12am.

Shoppers were seen heading towards Bicester town centre after they were evacuated from the shopping complex.

At the time of the fire, a resident who lives nearby Bicester Village said: “It must be quite serious as normally when evacuated to the field people are back in within an hour but as they letting people and staff leave to go to town must be known it’s going to be a while.

“Lots are starting to return to the field now holding coffee cups and food from town shops.”