Police probe arson attack at Testwood Lakes and Test Lane near Calmore Industrial Estate
POLICE are hunting arsonists who started a series of blazes covering a large swathe of grass and woodland near Calmore Industrial Estate.
Around 50 firefighters spent over six hours battling to contain the flames engulfing five acres of land in the Testwood Lakes and Test Lane area of Totton on Saturday.
The incident came as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service faced high demand as the continued heatwave saw a number of blazes on tinder-dry land across the county.
Crews responded to more than 25 emergency calls reporting the Totton fire from around 3.40pm.
Using hose reels and jets, they worked to create a fire break to protect nearby properties.
A large plume of smoke could be seen from AFC Totton's Salisbury Road ground as the team played Bishops Cleeve in a Southern Division 1 match.
The incident was later scaled down, with relief crews attending to dampen down hotspots.
Firefighters left the scene around 9.45pm, but some returned the following morning to re-inspect the scene and check for remaining hotspots.
Police have launched an investigation and are urging people to come forward if they witnessed the fires being set or saw anyone acting suspiciously.
Acting Insp. Mel Spooner said: “Fortunately the fire service have been able to bring the fires under control quickly and no one has been injured.
“However, with the dry climate and the fires being set in close proximity to houses and business premises, there could have been a very different outcome.
“We have officers out in the area patrolling and carrying out house to house enquiries.”
Acting Insp. Spooner added: "Our fire and rescue service have successfully put out hundreds of 'wild' fires in recent weeks, but have been stretched to the very limit in doing so."
Local county, district and town councillor David Harrison took to his online blog to slam those who have been deliberately starting blazes in the area.
Stressing the danger such fires pose to people and wildlife, he praised the ongoing efforts of firefighters to bring them under control.
“For me, the most disappointing element is that many of these fires have been deliberately started,” Cllr Harrison wrote.
“They could have potentially fatal consequences. At the very least, they cause great damage to our environment and pose a real risk to nearby property.
“The work that Hampshire & IOW Fire Service do to try and limit these arson events is often unseen.
“They participate in hundreds of educational programmes, at schools and community events, in an effort to educate young and older people about the risks involved.”
He added: “Very clearly, despite their best efforts, there are still significant numbers of people who act irresponsibly and put others at risk of harm.”
Anyone with information about the Testwood Lakes and Test Lane area fires should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 1797 of 13th August.
Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
