FIRE crews are trying to establish exactly what caused the huge blaze at Oxford’s Randolph Hotel yesterday.

Smoke swept through the streets surrounding the historic hotel and flames could be seen from the roof as guests and staff were led from the building.

More than 70 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze, which is thought to have started in the kitchen on the ground floor.

The fire was brought under control by about 8pm. Guests were given alternative accommodation.

Simon Furlong , the incident commander for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said it had been a “significant” fire, but that it was not thought to be suspicious.

He added: “It has been a good job by the firefighters and I would also like to praise the hotel on their evacuation processes.

“In excess of 80 people were removed from the building and there has been no significant injuries.

“It’s difficult to say the extent of the damage.

“The fire has spread through the voids in the building up to the roof area.

“This is an iconic building in Oxford and we have managed to protect it.”

The fire service was called at 4.46pm and crews attended from the Rewley Road station before calling for back-up.

Crews from Northamptonshire and Berkshire were called to provide specialist equipment.

Eyewitnesses looked on as two hydraulics platforms towered over the Randolph while firefighters shots jets of water into the roof of the building, which opened in 1866.

Mr Furlong added: “We have been working with our colleagues with the police to make sure this is a safe environment and to assist the residents of the hotel as much as possible.

“Because the fire went through voids in building it hasn’t affected floors one or two.

“This has been a stretch of our resources across the county but it’s something we plan to deal with.”

Firefighters stayed throughout the night to ensure the flames were fully extinguished and were due to be there until mid-morning today.

Thames Valley Police Superintendent Christian Bunt warned roads would be closed “well into” today and urged drivers to plan their routes.

He added: “We will keep people updated with what is going on with the travel and, in particular, the road closures.”

As a result of the fire, roof tiles fell.

Mr Furlong said the fire service was working with Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to tackle the problem.

He added: “We have asked for a building surveyor to assess it.

There is a gable end we have some slight concerns about, so we are monitoring that and maintaining the structure.

“We will not open the area until it’s safe for the public and will liaise with the police.”