Beach blaze blasted by Littlehampton firefighters

LITTLEHAMPTON firefighters have branded the latest reign of arson attacks as “dangerous and irresponsible” this week, after a 100 metre strech of West Beach was set alite.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th May 2011, 11:34 BST

The blaze, which took place at roughly 11:37pm on Friday evening, affected a 100m stretch of natural sand dunes, near the beach.

Six firefighters from Littlehampton battled the fire for an hour, using beaters and thermal imaging cameras to beat back the flames.

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Littlehampton fire station commander and retained liaison officer, Niall Cooper, believes the blaze was caused deliberately.

He said: “This is the fourth incident we have had to deal with in recent weeks.

“The fires here are destroying an area of natural beauty and endangering the health and well-being of animals in the area.”

The previous incidents took place on Saturday, March 5, Tuesday, March 15 and a week later on Tuesday, March 22.

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Inspector Gavin Whitehouse, of the Arun District Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are investigating all the incidents and are urging to public to remain vigilant over the coming weeks and months,”

Anybody with any information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.