SOMERSET NEWS: People urged to be vigilant after spate of farmland fires

POLICE are asking people living in the Curry Rivel and Langport areas to be vigilant after a number of fires on farmland in the area in recent weeks with fears that arsonists could be responsible.

Neighbourhood police are targeting patrols in the affected area and working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to tackle the problem.

Incidents include:
• a barn fire at Long Sutton on Sunday, September 21, 2014.

• five tonnes of hay on fire at Currywoods Way, Curry Rivel, on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

• a telegraph pole on fire in Gasson Lane, Queen Camel on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

• 15,000 tonnes of thatching grass on fire at Dyers Farm, Curry Rivel, on Sunday, September 28, 2014.

• 200 tonnes of hay were destroyed in a barn fire in Slough Lane, Stoke St Gregory, on Monday, September 29, 2014. The blaze posed a risk to neighbouring buildings and fuel storage tanks and livestock had to be moved to safety.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Station Manager Martin Lock told the Yeovil Press: “We have had reports of five deliberate incidents in the area between September 21 and 29.

“We are working with the police and other partners including the National Farmers Union to investigate and to give safety advice to the farming community.”

Neighbourhood police sergeant, Sgt Dean Hamilton, said: “Both we and the fire crews are concerned that this is more than a coincidence.

“We are working closely together with the fire service and would ask the local community to let us know of anything which could help us.

“The Fire Service is putting information boards out and local farmers are being offered advice on securing their property.

“If these fires are being deliberately started I would beg that anyone who knows who is responsible gets in touch either through our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 99717/14”

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.

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