Barbecues set fire to bin store in Calne (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Barbecues set fire to bin store in Calne

11:30am Thursday 5th April 2012 in Calne By Tom Mooney

Two blocks of flats were evacuated after two disposable barbecues caused a fire in a bin store in Calne. Armed police officers were on routine patrol in Harrier Close at around 8.30pm on Monday when they spotted a brick bin area, attached to a block of flats, on fire. After alerting the fire brigade, the officers, alongside members of Calne’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, worked to evacuate the flats, which were beginning to fill up with smoke. Sergeant Phil Connor said: “The residents were all led to safety, away from the building. Prior to the arrival of the fire brigade, the whole of the roof of the bin store collapsed, sending debris and ash into the air. “There were then some concerns that the fire could spread to the opposite building, which includes Tesco Express and Wok Express, so we also evacuated the flats and shops.” One resident from the flats above Tesco, who did not want to be named, said: “Some people were outside having a barbecue on a glass table earlier on. They threw the barbecues on the bin when they finished and it’s just all gone up. “There were loads of flames. My little girl was up there crying, asking me what was happening. "You could feel the heat from our flat opposite but for some reason there weren’t any fire alarms going off.” Four fire engines arrived at the scene, two from Chippenham, one from Calne and one from Melksham, and the blaze was quickly under control. The residents were then allowed to return to their flats. After making enquiries, police arrested a woman on suspicion of arson, without intent. She was interviewed at Melksham Police Station but later released without charge. Fire investigators were also called to the scene to look into the cause of the fire. Sgt Connor said: “One female was arrested on suspicion of arson, without intent, but was later released without charge due to a lack of evidence. We have spoken to witnesses but would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the events leading up to the fire.” Call Wiltshire Police with any information on 101.