Angry firefighters slam arson attacks
Frustration as van is destroyed and shed damaged in series of blazes.
ARSONISTS kept firefighters busy after starting a series of blazes which destroyed a van and damaged a shed.
The separate early-morning attacks took place in Gosport and Havant and came just days after firefighters in Southsea vented their frustrations over attacks in Buckland.
The first saw thugs torching a van parked in Wake-fords Way, Havant, shortly before 4.45am.
Fire crews said the blaze started in the cab of the van, spreading rapidly to engulf much of the vehicle and destroy it.
Minutes later, in San Diego Road, Gosport, vandals set fire to a chair in a blaze which spread to a fence and shed.
Both situations – although not linked – have left firefighters exasperated and issuing stern warnings to reckless vandals.
Gosport crew manager Jason Haste said: ‘Someone may think setting fire to a chair is just a small thing but before they know it, it can spread to a shed and then could spread to a house.
‘People could be in the house and things could get really serious – and you could be looking at some pretty big charges like murder or attempted murder.
‘The message from the fire service is to stop and think before doing something silly like this.’
Firefighters used one hose reel to quell the flames, which did not spread any further.
Meanwhile in Havant, the town’s firefighting team was forced to use two breathing apparatus and a hose reel to put the blazing transit out.
Havant crew manager Simon Morford shared his frustration at the attack, which took place right outside people’s homes.
He said: ‘When we arrived the van was fully ablaze.
‘The cause is doubtful. The fire wasn’t started in the engine, which is more common – it was in the cab.
‘So we suspect it was probably started deliberately.’
Mr Morford added: ‘The van was totally destroyed by the fire. The whole cab was melted and there was nothing left to save.’
It’s understood a fire investigation team has launched a probe into the van fire.
Suspected arsonists also set alight a bin shed in Seymour Close, Buckland, at 1.53am on Saturday.
Southsea crew manager Stephen Alchin said the attack was the latest in a string of similar arsons in the city in recent weeks.
He said: ‘We have had loads and loads of calls there recently. We’re working to cut down arson in the area.
‘At the end of the day, this is what we’re here for – to put out fires. But this is time that has been taken up putting out these bins that
People could be in the house and things could get really serious.
Jason Haste
could have stopped us from going to a persons-reported incident.
‘Time counts. It’s irresponsible.’