Firefighters believe blaze at former rugby club could be suspicious
EVIDENCE SHOWS CLUB HAD BEEN USED BY THE HOMELESS
FIREFIGHTERS have described a blaze that ripped through the former home of Burton Rugby Club as “suspicious” after finding evidence homeless people had been sleeping there.
Blankets, bedding and mattresses were found in the Peel Croft building, in Lichfield Street, which caught fire yesterday morning.
There was “significant” fire damage to the old bar area, as well as smoke damage throughout.
Paul Cullen, station manager at Burton Fire Station, said: “We haven’t been able to carry out a full investigation to find out the cause of the fire, but the building was unoccupied and it would be a reasonable suggestion for me to say at this early stage that it is suspicious, because there is evidence of rough sleeping in the building, which was brought to the attention of the first fire service on the scene. There are blankets, bedding and mattresses.
“There are four sections to the entire building, including the bar area.
“There were several seats (pockets) of fire that have travelled through ducts to get to another part of the building.
“There is significant damage to the bar area and smoke damage throughout all the interlinked buildings and damage caused by tackling the fire.”
Paramedics, police and firefighters headed to the scene just before noon to find the building alight.
Our reporter counted at least 40 firefighters on the scene, having been dispatched from Burton, Uttoxeter and Tutbury.
There were not thought to be any casualties, with ambulance crews on standby in case any were discovered.
Cadent engineers turned up to isolate the gas supply, while the fire was not widespread enough to merit evacuating neighbouring properties and businesses.
Burton Rugby Club had been based there for decades before recently moving to its new home in Branston Road, Tatenhill.
The land will now become a Lidl supermarket, with the German firm also applying for permission for a drivethrough restaurant – and to replace the nearby old Blockbuster video hire shop with three business units.
A representative from the supermarket chain was at the club yesterday to witness the extent of the damage.