Police are investigating a case of suspected arson after it is believed youngsters deliberately set light to a hedge.
Fire crews were called to Gleneagles Road, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, at 9.10pm on Wednesday, June 3, where they found a 10m section of conifers well alight – described as ‘an inferno’ by one firefighter.
The smoke was so thick it could even be seen from Ellesmere Port Fire Station. A number of people had gathered and were taking pictures and videos, some of which later appeared on social media. Police were already in attendance carrying out investigations and making sure properties were secure.
The flames spread to a nearby shed and garage which were damaged in the blaze. Such was the ferocity of the fire that it jumped across a narrow alleyway causing it to spread to another hedge on the other side slightly damaging some fencing.
Two fire engines from Ellesmere Port Fire Station attended in total, with firefighters using three hose reels to tackle the blaze. Water had to be taken from a nearby hydrant. A thermal imaging camera was used to check the area for hot-spots before crews left.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said afterwards the fire was “thought to have been started deliberately”.
Resident Fred Haycock, from Glenathol Road, whose property was unaffected, said the fire had caused ‘a hell of a mess’ but nobody really knew how it started. “A neighbour saw a few teenagers going through the alleyway although it might not have been them and it could have been an accident, it might have been a cigarette,” he explained.
Anyone with information as to who started the fire is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
