Man arrested after firefighters tackle fire at Bromsgrove property (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
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Man arrested after firefighters tackle fire at Bromsgrove property
3:00pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News
Blaze: Nine fire crews from across the county tackled the fire at the Worcester Road property. Ref:s
A MAN has been arrested after Bromsgrove firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a Worcester Road property.
The fire broke out in a converted loft in a three-storey house at about 3.45am this morning, (February 13).
Nine fire crews from across the county were sent to the incident after a 999 call was made.
The emergency services were initially informed that it was feared people were in the building, but one person escaped from the fire unharmed and no one else was inside.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, entered the property and discovered the fire on the third floor of the house.
Three hose reel jets, one main jet and a covering jet, as well as an ladder platform, were used to bring the fire under control.
The blaze gutted the loft area, destroyed part of the roof and caused severe smoke damage throughout the property.
Group commander Grant Wills said: “This was a significant and challenging fire but our firefighters worked quickly to stop it from spreading and to extinguish it as quickly as possible.
“We worked closely with our police and ambulance service colleagues at the scene.”
Detective Sergeant Nick Husbands added: “It was quite an intense fire and residents from an adjoining home and around half a dozen cottages immediately behind it were evacuated.
“We believe the fire was started deliberately.”
A fire service investigation officer is working closely with the police to establish the exact cause of the fire.
A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life a short time later in Rock Hill, and police say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
The arrested man is currently being questioned by officers at Redditch Police Station.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bromsgrove CID on non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 19-N-130213, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
