Arsonists were blamed for sparking mayhem by striking three times on Canvey.

Firefighters called to the incidents yesterday said the irresponsible actions of firebugs caused a huge grassland blaze close to a supermarket and almost caused a serious factory fire on an industrial estate.

The solo Canvey fire crew on duty yesterday first sprang into action at 4pm, dousing a rubbish fire at the side of the road in Fifth Avenue.

Three hours later they were faced with a much bigger task - a two-acre blaze in which flames had quickly spread across wasteland behind the Safeway superstore off Northwick Road.

Sub-officer Paul Marsh said: "There were two different burning areas of wasteland, each about an acre in size.

"We got to the fires via Northwick Road and managed to get them both under control in about 40 minutes."

He added: "The grass was very, very dry and that is why the fires spread so quickly over such a large amount of space.

"There is little doubt they were both started deliberately - but who did it and how the fires were started are two questions which are very hard to answer."

The Canvey crew returned to their base, in Long Road, but were called into action again at 11.30pm.

A 12-square-foot display tent had been set on fire outside the Camping and General store on the Charfleets industrial estate.

All three fires were being treated as suspicious incidents, Mr Marsh said.

Anyone who knows who was behind the fires, or who has any information about the incidents, is being asked to call Canvey police on 01268 511212.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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