Reports of an oil pan fire at the Old Tea Warehouse supported living accommodation saw a large emergency service response in the centre of High Wycombe.

The incident saw the bottom of Amersham Hill on the A404 close for a number of hours as fire crews, police officers and the ambulance attended the scene opposite the train station. 

UPDATE: Man rescued from blaze at Old Tea Warehouse in High Wycombe

Firefighters were seen running a hose from Crendon Street to one of the engines as one bystander saw around 20 people standing opposite the accommodation with some wrapped in foil blankets after being evacuated.Bucks Free Press: There was a large emergency service response on Amersham Hill (Credit: Omar Smith)There was a large emergency service response on Amersham Hill (Credit: Omar Smith)

The road was closed over the bridge from the junction with Totteridge Bridge down to the junction with Castle Street for several hours.

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The fire was first reported on social media at around 7pm with the road reopening by 9:45pm with only one fire appliance left on the scene.

Bucks Free Press: The road was shut for several hours (Credit: Omar Smith)The road was shut for several hours (Credit: Omar Smith)

Omar Smith, a High Wycombe resident, said: "After seeing the emergency response my immediate thoughts were with the residents of the block.

"It was very cold, just five degrees outside when I was there, and I know that building provides accommodation for people who might otherwise be completely homeless.

"I've carried out some work in Old Tea Warehouse supported living accommodation in the past, the residents there are on the first step off the street so they're vulnerable and some are battling other issues too like mental health concerns or drug or alcohol problems.

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"The men I spoke to were concerned about whether or not they would be allowed back into the building.

"When Fire and Rescue arrived, the whole road was closed for firefighting equipment, and police closed the footpath over the railway line. 

"Bystanders have suggested there has been an oil pan fire at the Old Tea Warehouse."

The Bucks Free Press has approached the emergency services for an update.

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