THIRTY-TWO university students have had to be relocated after a fire at their accommodation.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze at Lincoln College student accommodation on Wednesday afternoon.

Crews entered the building near the junction of Little Clarendon Street and Walton Street, and found a ‘well developed’ fire in a first floor bedroom.

The entire building was then ventilated due to significant smoke, with high pressure ventilation fans.

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Station manager Pete Mackay, who attended the incident, said: “A fire like this in the middle of the national Student Fire Safety Week, highlights the importance of students and staff knowing exactly what to do in the event of a fire.

“Fortunately, this fire was contained to the room due to the closed doors and we were able to extinguish the fire quickly and safely.

“However there has been some significant disruption to the building, and the occupant has lost all their belongings due to what was a significant fire.

“In this instance, the fire safety measures worked well – closed and unobstructed doors prevented the fire spreading and the fire alarm system raised the alarm quickly.

“Knowing what to do when the alarm sounds, how to get out safely and how to reduce the risk of fire in student rooms is really important.

“For any business – university, college or school – having clear plans in place to deal with the aftermath of such incidents can really reduce the impact at a really difficult time.”

An investigation found the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical fire possibly involving a rechargeable device. Investigations remain ongoing.