A fire was deliberately set at an abandoned building undergoing redevelopment near St Martin’s Hospital in Bath on December 23. Emergency services responded to the blaze at the derelict site on Clara Cross Lane, where two male youths were reported to have broken in and started the fire.
Five fire crews from Bath, Kingswood, Hicksgate, Radstock, and Paulton worked quickly to extinguish the flames. Additional firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were on standby. Firefighters used six breathing apparatus, four high-pressure hose reels, and one jet to bring the fire under control.
Following a thorough search of the building, crews confirmed no one was inside and no injuries were reported. The structure did not suffer significant damage and was declared safe once the fire was put out.
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Avon and Somerset Police are investigating the incident, which includes reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour linked to the two male youths seen at the scene. Officers are examining CCTV footage and urging anyone with information or who witnessed the event to come forward.
A police spokesperson stated: “We were called at around 4 pm on December 23 after reports that youths broke into a redevelopment site on Clara Cross Lane and started a fire. The fire was extinguished safely, and no casualties were found. We encourage witnesses to contact us with any information to assist our inquiries.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was deliberate and thanked all crews involved for their swift and effective response.