Shotton house fire deliberately started say fire service – police appeal for witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses after an arson attack on a house in Shotton.

Neighbours had to force a window and help two people to safety from the blaze which is now belived to have delibabrtly started.

North Wales fire and rescue service along with the police and ambulance service were called to an address in Green lane, Shotton just before 3am this morning, Monday 17th August.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to neighbouring properties, but the property was extensively damaged.

One man received a precautionary check for smoke inhalation by ambulance staff at the scene but did not attend hospital.

North Wales Fire and Rescue service say the cause of the fire has now been established as deliberate ignition.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Jonathan Salisbury-Jones at Mold CID said  

“North Wales Police are conducting a joint investigation with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire but at this time it appears to be suspicious. Clearly this will be completed as soon as possible to alleviate any understandable concerns in the community. I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time who saw any suspicious persons or activity, or indeed knows anything about this fire to contact Police immediately”

North Wales fire and rescue service sent two appliances from Deeside to the blaze.

Four firefighters wore breathing apparatus’, and used two hose reel water jets to extinguish the fire.

The property suffered 100% fire damage to the kitchen, hallway and a bedroom on the first floor, heavy smoke damage to other first floor rooms and moderate smoke damage to the lounge.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said:

“We urge all occupiers to ensure that they have working smoke alarms installed in their property. These people were lucky last night to escape from the property without injury.

This incident again proves how vital it is for everyone to have smoke alarms installed in their homes, as they will give an early warning of a fire. They must be maintained regularly by testing the battery once a week and changing it as per manufacturers instruction.