Two charged after BBQ allegedly thrown into Norfolk woods
Members of the public helped put out the fire
Last updated 15th Aug 2022
Two men have been charged after a BBQ was allegedly thrown into woodland at Bawsey Country Park causing a fire.
Emergency services were called to the area at about 11.40am on Sunday 14th August after a disposable BBQ was reportedly thrown into woodland, causing a small fire.
Two men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson and criminal damage.
Aleksejs Sokolovs, who's 45 and from Valentine Close in Boston, and Darius Lazausaks, also 45 and from Carlton Road in Boston, have since been charged with arson with intent to damaged property.
Both men have been released on conditional bail to appear at King's Lynn Magistrates in September.
Members of the public helped put out the fire while waiting for crews to arrive.
It had spread to an area of about 4 metres square.
Superintendent Nathan Clark said: “Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and I’d like to thank those members of the public for their help.
"As we’ve seen recently, the impact of extreme heat and fires can be devastating.
“Both men will be questioned, and we’ve spoken to witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Tony White, Head of Prevention at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fires that are started deliberately can destroy property and take lives and we’re grateful to our partners in the police for their prompt response to these reports.
“However, the fact is it's very easy for anyone to start a fire in these circumstances even without malicious intent.
"We all need to stay vigilant and keep safe in this heat, by never discarding cigarette ends carelessly, leaving bottles or glass behind in the open and by not using barbecues in fields, open grassland, parks and forests, and only ever igniting a barbecue when it's safely on solid, non-flammable surfaces such as the patio."