Joint investigation to commence after grass fire spreads to home

Photo credit Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

A joint investigation is to be launched after a grass fire spread to a house and threatened to reach nearby homes

Eight fire appliances were called to the blaze in Stevenholme Crescent, Bestwood.

The incident was reported to Nottinghamshire Police shortly before 4.45pm today (Sunday 17 July 2022). 

Officers closed all roads in the immediate vicinity and evacuated 26 neighbouring homes as a precaution while fire colleagues tackled the blaze.

A house in Stevenholme Crescent was badly damaged but thankfully no injuries were reported. Some properties nearby also suffered damage to fences and sheds.

The fire was put out by around 6.40pm. Roads were re-opened and a joint police and fire investigation will begin tomorrow morning (Monday 18 July 2022).

Inspector Liz Gaskin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We will be working closely with our colleagues at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to fully investigate this incident and to establish the circumstances of how the fire began.

“We are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything or has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to please come forward.”

Group Manager Tom Archer, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Thank you to residents for their support as we dealt with this incident. I want to praise the actions of our crews who worked quickly to save nearby properties in very warm conditions.

“Our fire investigation team will be working closely with our police colleagues to investigate the cause.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 559 of 17 July 2022, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.