Several Oxford colleges have issued fire safety advice following a serious fire at Reuben College accommodation last week. The fire, which broke out in Reuben’s graduate accommodation at Farndon Court, destroyed one student’s bedroom and all the belongings inside it. No injuries were reported, but the building suffered significant smoke damage, and several students were forced to relocate at short notice.
According to initial investigations, the fire began when a lithium-ion battery charger, which was left plugged in on a bed, overheated and ignited. The fire alarm triggered an immediate evacuation, and the fire brigade quickly contained the blaze. Reuben College told Cherwell that the bedroom where the fire started was “badly burned” and will require extensive refurbishment. Fire protection measures, including the room’s fire door, prevented the flames from spreading further.
Other students living in the building were temporarily rehoused at St Catherine’s College, which Reuben described as offering a “warm welcome”. Two students were able to return the following day once electrical systems had been checked, while others were moved into vacant rooms in Farndon Court. The remaining affected residents were allowed back into their rooms following cleaning and safety inspections
A spokesperson for Reuben College told Cherwell: “All students in Reuben accommodation have premises insurance included in their rent, which anyone suffering losses over £25 will be able to claim against. The College’s Sub Deans and Welfare Officer were available to support the affected students, especially the student who lost all her possessions.”
The incident has also reignited concerns about evacuation protocol. Queen’s College sent out an email to students following the Reuben fire which mentioned that “a concerning number” of students failed to exit within the expected three-minute window, with some not leaving their rooms until prompted by staff. The College described this behaviour as “unacceptable” and warned that more tightly enforced drills are likely in the new year.
Reuben confirmed that the University is reviewing the fire and that the College will adopt any recommendations made, including changes to procedures and communication. Students in Reuben accommodation will be required to attend a mandatory fire-safety briefing, run by the University’s Safety Office, reiterating the importance of swift evacuation.
Colleges across the University, including Balliol College and Keble College, have reminded students that phones, laptops, and other battery-powered devices must never be charged on beds, duvets, or soft furnishings, and should only be placed on solid, non-flammable surfaces such as desks or bedside tables. Electric bikes and scooters also remain prohibited on college grounds due to the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
While the rapid response prevented more extensive damage, Reuben issued a broader message to students: “Unattended batteries can overheat and ignite, fires can spread rapidly, and the resulting smoke is highly toxic. Colleges urge students to treat the incident as a serious reminder of the dangers posed by improper charging practices and non-compliance with fire alarms.”
