Fire-starters strike four times in a day
JON MACPHERSON
INVESTIGATIONS have been launched after FOUR separate arson incidents in a single day across Hyndburn.
A large blaze involving three caravans, a car, a van and an outbuilding on Coal Pit Lane in Oswaldtwistle was started at 2.20pm on Sunday, June 4.
Propane gas bottles were found at the scene and needed to be cooled down using hydrant-supplied jets and hose reels.
Fears were initially raised that someone might have been trapped in the fire, however no casualties were reported.
Firefighters from Accrington and Great Harwood were called to the scene. The fire is believed to have been deliberate.
Later that day an eyewitness in Accrington reported a “commotion” on the street after two car arsons within minutes of each other at around 11pm. The incidents happened on Princess Street and Higher Antley Street.
Satana Bloom, who lives on nearby Lina Street, said: “A lot of people were startled when a woman was banging on doors and windows screaming for help and to get people to evacuate the houses near by the car.
“Moments later the car caught ablaze, people from other streets came rushing at the sound of the loud bangs that was the car tyres popping.
“This was at the point I came from my house on Lina Street to inspect what the commotion was. Within minutes one fire engine with five firemen attended the scene and quickly put the blaze out using one fire hose and all had breathing apparatus on. One police van with two officers were also quick to attend the scene.”
The fire service said these two incidents are thought to be linked and started deliberately.
A fourth arson incident was also reported later on Sunday evening involving wooden pallets at the side of Poundstretcher on Eastgate Retail Park in Accrington.
Fire crews used a hose reel to extinguish the fire that caused damage to the side wall. They confirmed this blaze is thought to have been started deliberately.
John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said all the incidents are under investigation, including seeing whether there is a link between some of them.
He added: “They were separated in time and distance. We deplore these needless acts that cause destruction and damage and they always have the potential to cause injury or even kill people.” Call police on 101. ARSONISTS set fire to a horse box in Claytonle-Moors.
A crew from Hyndburn fire station were called to Harrington Street shortly before 8pm on Wednesday, May 31, to reports of a fire involving a horse box.
A spokesperson said: “There were no horses or humans endangered in the fire, which firefighters believe was started deliberately. The fire was put out using a hose reel jet.”
Call police on 101.