Express & Star

Arsonists blamed for blaze close to HMP Brinsford

A huge blaze near HMP Brinsford which saw 70 tons of rubbish set alight was caused by arsonists, investigators have confirmed.

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Firefighters battled for three hours to bring the blaze, on land off Cat and Kittens Lane in Featherstone, under control late on Friday night.

It involved tons of industrial and commercial waste which was densely compacted hindering the rescue operation. Crews did not leave the scene until 3pm on Saturday.

A fire service spokesman has now confirmed the incident is being treated as an arson attack after five separate seats of fire were found.

Station manager Adam Snell said the situation was compounded by the fact there was no readily available water supply nearby. He said: "The location was isolated, with no water anywhere near, so a water carrier was requested from Cannock. Firefighters had to shuttle water backwards and forwards to tackle the flames.

"The waste material was so heavily compacted and deeply seated it was difficult for the water to penetrate."

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