Arson suspected in Les Platons gorse fire

The fire, which started at about 3 am, scorched an area the size of half a football pitch at Les Platons in Trinity.

Police are currently investigating at least eight other suspicious fires, most of which have occurred in the west of the Island.

In recent months, fires have been occurring in two day blocks, with one blaze quickly being followed by a second.

Martyn Maguire, group commander at the Fire and Rescue Service, said early indications seemed to show the fire had been started using paper.

Anyone with information is being asked to phone the States police on 612612 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

He added that investigators were due to visit the scene and would use a machine that scans the air for accelerants.

‘Judging by where it has been started and at the time it has been started it looks deliberate,’ he said.

‘We have had a number of similar fires to deal with but this is in a different area to the others under investigation.

‘At this time there is absolutely no evidence to suggest they are linked.’

Earlier this month two men were arrested in connection with suspicious furze fires at Les Landes in St Ouen and at Petit Port in St Brelade.

They were later released on police bail.

Mr Maguire added: ‘There is always the chance that if one of those fires gets out of control someone could get hurt.

‘There could be a risk to properties and therefore a risk to people. Luckily that has not happened yet but there is always a risk.’

12 April: Furze fire near L’Etacq

15 June: Fire in a bin in Rue de L’Etacq, St Ouen

17 July: Fire at honesty box in St Mary

18 July: Fire at honesty box in Trinity

8 August: The largest furze fire of the year at Les Landes

9 August: Hedge fire in Rue de la Capelle, St Ouen

28 September: Furze fire at Les Landes in St Ouen

28 September: Furze fire near Petit Port in St Brelade

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