Two arrested on suspicion of arson after Balcombe blaze

Two people were arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire in Balcombe.
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Emergency crews were alerted to the fire in the open near the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe at 2.35pm last Tuesday (August 4).

Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control, which involved a tree and a large area of vegetation and grassland.

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Mid Sussex prevention inspector Darren Taylor confirmed two people had been taken into custody on suspicion of arson following the ‘deliberate’ fire.

The fire in the open was near the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe. Picture: Google Street ViewThe fire in the open was near the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe. Picture: Google Street View
The fire in the open was near the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe. Picture: Google Street View

“Due to the fire getting out of control an old Oak Tree has been destroyed and will need to be cut down,” he added on Twitter.

A Sussex Police spokesman added: “An 18-year-old man from Crawley and a 17-year-old boy from Lindfield arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire that destroyed an oak tree and a log pile near Balcombe viaduct on August 4, have been released under investigation.”

Crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service used three hose reels and two jets to tackle the fire.

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A spokesman said: “One crew from Haywards Heath Fire Station and an off-road vehicle were immediately mobilised to the scene, and upon arrival requested the two further pumps due to the scale of the fire.

“Two additional crews from Crawley Fire Station were sent to the scene. The fire damaged an area of more than 1,000 square metres. Officers from Sussex Police attended, as the fire was believed to have been started deliberately.”

The spokesman warned of potential fires over the next few days due to the extremely dry weather.

“West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind all residents to take extra care when out and about in the countryside in these extremely dry conditions,” they said.

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“Please ensure that you dispose of cigarettes responsibly and we would urge everyone to think twice before starting a fire.”

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