A FIRE chief has hit out at arsonists after one of his men suffered burns to his arm while tackling a deliberate fire. Firefighters were called to Canterbury Way, Stevenage, at midday on Monday after a blaze broke out in a brick shed. On arrival the crews

A FIRE chief has hit out at arsonists after one of his men suffered burns to his arm while tackling a deliberate fire.

Firefighters were called to Canterbury Way, Stevenage, at midday on Monday after a blaze broke out in a brick shed.

On arrival the crews found a bin store was well alight. The smoke was so severe firefighters carried out checks of nearby smoke-logged flats to make sure nobody was inside.

"There is little doubt this fire was started deliberately," said station commander Dave Stokes, who is based at Stevenage Fire Station.

"I am appalled that someone started this fire with no thought of the consequences. It has resulted in a Stevenage firefighter suffering a burn to his arm and needing hospital treatment.

"This firefighter was just doing his job and is now at home recovering. Every time an arsonist strikes they are putting emergency service workers and members of the public in danger. We are never complacent about arson attacks and we will continue to support our colleagues in the police to find arsonists."

Sgt Jason Thorne from the Stevenage community team said: "Incidents of arson are taken extremely seriously by Hertfordshire Constabulary and we will do everything we can to catch and arrest those responsible. This case is an example of the serious consequences of committing this type of crime and the potential threat to life.

"If anyone has information about who is committing arson I would urge them to contact police on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.