Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a disposable barbecue was thrown into woodland at a country park. Emergency services were called to a fire at Bawsey Country Park, near King’s Lynn, at around 11.40am on Sunday (August 14). It is believed to have started after a disposable barbecue was thrown into a forest, causing a small fire. The men were arrested at the scene by an off-duty police officer, while other members of the public helped put out the fire before emergency services arrived. Both men, aged 44, from Boston in Lincolnshire, were arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Center for questioning. Superintendent Nathan Clarke said: “Thankfully the fire was quickly extinguished and I would like to thank these members of the public for their help. “As we have seen recently, the effects of extreme heat and wildfires can be devastating. “Both men will be questioned and we have spoken to witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.” Tony White, head of prevention at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fires started deliberately can destroy property and take lives and we are grateful to our police partners for their prompt response to these reports. “However, the fact is that it is very easy for anyone to start a fire in these conditions, even without malicious intent. “We all need to stay alert and stay safe in this heat, never throw away cigarettes carelessly, leave bottles or glasses out in the open and do not use barbecues in fields, open fields, parks and forests and only light a barbecue when it is safely on solid, non-flammable surfaces such as patios.”
