FOOLISH arsonists torched a seafront promenade causing a wildfire-like inferno which “could have been much worse” if not for the rapid response of firefighters.
Fire crews from Dovercourt Fire Station were called to a grass fire in Marine Parade, Dovercourt, shortly after 9pm on Monday.
Upon arrival the firefighters established two areas of the embarkment’s wildlife-filled greenery were alight before rushing to make the area safe.
After working to contain the inferno and get it under control, the fire was eventually extinguished by the crew just before 9.45pm.
According to fire investigators, the blaze is believed to have been started deliberately, so is therefore being treated as arson.
India Rose, 27, who has lived in Harwich for the majority of her life, noticed the inferno while driving home and called the emergency services.
She said: “It is very sad and frustrating someone would purposely cause damage to our environment, destroy wildlife and put strain on our stretched emergency services.
“It definitely could have been worse had the fire brigade not responded so quickly - the larger fire appeared to be a distraction from the smaller fire.
“I'm glad they've discovered the true motive behind it and I hope they can catch the person that did it, to prevent this happening again.
READ MORE: 'Shocking' moment seafront promenade bursts into flames for third time in a month
“Hopefully preventative measures such as CCTV to deter people from doing this again will be considered, as it is happening way too regularly.”
The latest blaze comes after similar seafront grass fires in Marine Parade in Harwich on July 22 and Marine Parade, Dovercourt, ten days priors on July 12.
On both occasions the green spaces were left scorched with black ash, before Jason Gould from Dovercourt Fire Station issued urgent fire safety advice to the public.
A spokesman for the Essex Fire Service said: “Did you know we typically see an increase in deliberate fires during summer months?
“FireStoppers is an anonymous way to report what you know about deliberate fire setting in your area.
“It’s not for reporting any blame, it’s for us to prevent the fires from happening.”
To contact FireStoppers call 0800 169 5558 or visit forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers.
Essex Police has been contacted for comment.
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