Boat burnt-out on the Oxford

A NARROWBOAT that was moored at Enslow on the Oxford Canal has been burnt-out, as it proved difficult to reach.

A report from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service told that it was a severe fire, made worse as the fire was difficult to reach due to the location of the boat out 'in the sticks'.  The boat has now been towed to a marina, where the indications are it was caused by a stove.

Rescue boat

It was impossible to get to the burning boat by any appliances, the way only being by the canal, so the rescue boat from Kidlington had to be used that had pumps and reels, using canal water to douse the blaze.

There was someone on the boat at the time, who was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, and was seemingly very lucky to escape.

The Watch Manager, Gary Crone, warned boaters to be extra cautious at this time of the year, particularly when using heating appliances, and to make sure a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector are fitted.