Multiple Fires Spark Panic in Saltash Woodlands – Were Deodorant Cans to Blame?

Fires break out in Pillmere Estate at start of half-term

Police are appealing for information after three separate fires were reported in the wooded area off Grassmere Way in Saltash on Saturday 5th April, the first day of the school half-term break.

The fires began at around 5:30pm at the bottom of the Pillmere Estate. Two were described as small, but the third was significantly larger – spreading across an area of approximately 40 square metres.

Quick response prevented serious damage

Fortunately, the Fire Service was already in the area tackling the earlier fires and managed to extinguish the third blaze before it could spread further. Saltash Police highlighted that had the fire crews been attending a house fire or a road traffic collision at the time, the response would have been delayed and the outcome potentially much more serious.

Officers said, “The area appeared dry and no doubt had they not got there when they did, it would have spread and been a very serious fire.”

Suspected cause and public response

It is believed the fires were started deliberately by a group of young people setting fire to deodorant cans. Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident and are seeking any further information from the public.

Members of the public who spoke to the Fire Service and police at the scene included other young people who were not involved in the incident but were described as “more than happy to help”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 50250085016.