On the afternoon of Monday, August 5, a fire broke out at the building housing Morfuse Barber in Wantage, prompting an emergency response and the temporary closure of part of Market Square. The local fire service quickly cordoned off the area as three fire engines from Didcot and Abingdon fire stations attended the scene to tackle the blaze.
The firefighters worked diligently for several hours and departed at 4:45 pm after extinguishing the fire and ensuring everyone’s safety. Despite the disruption, the quick response minimized damage and allowed businesses nearby to resume operations shortly after.
Eyewitness Account
Eyewitness Ian Lawrence shared his perspective after arriving just as the fire was contained. He observed firefighters wearing breathing apparatus exiting the building. Lawrence mentioned seeing one of the builders using a blow torch to strip paint earlier, which he believed might have caused the incident. This theory has been echoed by several onlookers.
However, the official cause of the fire remains unverified. The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has classified it as “accidental.” Their spokesperson confirmed, “The fire at Market Place in Wantage was extinguished by crews using breathing apparatus. The cause of the fire was accidental.”
Impact on Nearby Businesses
The Wantage Convenience Store, located next door to Morfuse Barber, had to halt operations temporarily as smoke filled the area and fire crews responded. Sachin Gupta, the store’s owner, described his experience: “They closed off the road, and we had to shut the shop because of the volume of smoke.”
Fortunately, no damage was reported to his property. “I was terrified and worried that the fire could spread to our business, but thankfully, everyone was okay, and my store was saved,” shared Gupta, who also mentioned that firefighters thoroughly checked his premises before clearing it for re-entry.
The store, which reopened shortly after the incident, resumed normal operations within a few hours. Meanwhile, Morfuse Barber reopened for business the following day after completing fire safety checks.
A Timely Reminder
Incidents like these serve as essential reminders for local residents and businesses to ensure safety during construction or maintenance work. Although this fire was accidental, it underscores the potential risks involved in building practices if proper precautions are not observed.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported during this situation, and normality has since returned to Market Square. Captured by local photographer Ben Davies, images of the fire engines in the heart of Wantage remind us of the importance of fire safety within our community.
Stay Connected with Local Businesses
Market Square is home to many local businesses important to the Wantage community. If you’re a business owner in the area or planning to set up shop, consider creating a free profile in the local business directory. This valuable resource connects residents and visitors to services, shops, and opportunities in Wantage and surrounding areas.
To list your business or event, visit the submission page and join the growing local network that keeps Wantage thriving.
