Police are investigating
A view of vans and caravans by the side of a road in Clifton Down(Image: Paul Gillis / Reach PLC)
A caravan fire that tore through the Downs in Bristol is suspected to have been started deliberately. Avon Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a caravan on fire on Parry’s Lane near Clifton Down last week. Bristol Live readers say that while they were relieved no-one was injured, they want to see a permanent solution to the ongoing caravan situation.
Three fire engines from Southmead, Hicks Gate and Temple Back stations attended the scene. Firefighters tackled the blaze using a hose reel jet, with a safety cordon set up while they worked.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: “Three fire engines from Southmead, Hicks Gate and Temple Back attended a fire on Parry’s Lane on Saturday. They used a hose reel jet to put out the fire. A cordon was in place for safety while crews attended. The cause is deemed to be deliberate ignition, police have now taken it on. Cordon has now been lifted.”
The case has since been passed to Avon and Somerset Police for investigation.
Fisherman19 says: “If abandoned caravans left to deteriorate in popular public places and on highways then why does it take so long to remove them? This is becoming a common problem. I sympathise with people that cannot afford a home, many of which do manage to hold down jobs, but I also sympathise with residents who are so frustrated with piles of abandoned junk.”
Martymoo suggests: “All along the road by the water tower it’s three hours parking for free. That’s long enough for dog walking, picnics, walks, football etc. Why can’t all the roads around the Downs be the same? Tow away anything that needs shifting.”
Blackbeard83 replies: “Removing them isn’t a solution. The people still need somewhere to live. Some are trying to get back on their feet, but their pay is too low, they need council housing.”
GasLee retorts: “It’s a lifestyle choice for most of them. They don’t want to be in the system and pay tax or council tax.”
Jackiedogmum responds: “Such negative comments, someone could have died in that caravan.”
Inflatable Theme Park, UK agrees: “Many of these are very poor people who are working and just can’t afford to rent or buy a house, I hope they are ok and not harmed.”
Nick Neate retorts: “That’s rubbish. They just want to live somewhere for free. If they had to pay for a permit to stay there they would soon move on.”
Rolandrp points out: “Caravans have previously been set alight at other locations in Bristol. Some are completely filled with rubbish with no evidence anyone is living there. They can be hazardous due to gas cylinders and pose a risk to firefighters.”
Downsderro replies: “Back-to-back flammable boxes, parked next to each other with gas cannisters attached. What could possibly go wrong? BCC is not interested in moving them, as it would become their problem. This is what happens when word gets around that laws aren’t enforced.”
Amanda Day adds: “Burning them is wrong, but the problem definitely needs sorting as it looks a mess.”
What do you think the solution to the caravan issue is? Have your say in our comments section.