Hucknall sub-station fire believed to be arson

A serious fire at a sub-station in the Nottingham town of Hucknall is now being treated as arson, according to a statement issued by the local fire service.

The fire broke out at the Bolsover Road facility on Wednesday 12th January, following a reported explosion. The fire caused absolute chaos as power to hundreds of properties cut out and the residents of houses close to the facility had to be evacuated on mass. Nearby roads were closed and local tram services were disrupted.

Despite the disruption and chaos, fire crews ensured that no one was injured in the incident.

After the fire was extinguished and services in the area returned to normal, a police investigation team moved in to establish the cause of the fire. Detective Constable Louise Forster stated:

“As a result of a detailed forensic examination we now believe this fire was caused deliberately.”

The police have also appealed for any witnesses to the suspected arson to come forward. It is not yet known exactly how the fire was started, or what fire safety procedures (generally included in fire risk assessments) were in place at the facility.