Fire in Oxford

My life, and that of many other Oxonians was slightly disturbed this evening by the fire at the Randolph Hotel at teatime. With fortunately no serious injuries the presence of fire engines and other emergency services required road and pavement closures, and for me required a detour on the way to Mass. 

I had seen the smoke belching and billowing from the roof as I walked along Cornmarket and again as I crossed Beaumont Street, where you could smell the fire, reminiscent of an autumn bonfire.

For the record the BBC News report about the fire can be seen at Oxford's five-star Randolph Hotel hit by fire.