Arson ‘Most probable’ Cause Of Major Blaze

A major fire that burned for five weeks in a hanger at Desborough Airfield was most-likely arson.

The blaze broke out on March 20th and destroyed thousands of tonnes of carpet being stored inside.

The collapse of the building has impacted an investigation by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, however it says with the evidence that is available, it was most-likely started deliberately.

Police have now launched an investigation into the blaze.

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze

NFRS Area Manager Neil Sadler: “This has been a complex and prolonged incident lasting several weeks. Since March 20, our fire crews have been monitoring the scene on a regular basis and damping down when necessary.

“Members of the public may still see a smoke plume, and this is due to a few small pockets of fire remaining that we cannot access.

“However, we have determined there is no longer a risk of the fire spreading. As the emergency phase has now ended, we have handed the scene back to the site owners.

“Throughout this we have worked with them to minimise the impact on people nearby, and we are on standby to help further if required.

“I would like to thank residents in the nearby villages of Stoke Albany, Brampton Ash and Dingley for their patience over the last five weeks.”

Police officers investigating the incident are appealing to anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 25000162805.