Arsonists warned of dangers (From Wiltshire Times)

Arsonists warned of dangers

9:55am Friday 30th December 2005 in Corsham

ARSONISTS who set light to a derelict building are putting lives at risk, according to firefighters.

Wiltshire Fire Brigade's assistant chief fire officer Peter Baxter led crews as they tackled the blaze in the old Signum Circuits building in Station Road, Calne, on Tuesday.

The fire was reported at 8.14pm and 25 firefighters from Calne, Chippenham, Corsham and Melksham attended.

Mr Baxter said there could easily have been tragic consequences.

"The brigade works hard and successfully with our partners in the local authority and with many owners of derelict premises to try and reduce the risk of arson," he said.

"The buildings are often boarded up and in some cases the doors and windows are bricked up to prevent anyone from entering.

"On occasions like this a deliberate effort has been made to gain access and start a fire, which puts both the safety of those who started the fire and the emergency services called to deal with it, at risk.

"Derelict buildings are unsafe places, where means of entry and exit may be obstructed, floors may be unstable and in danger of collapse and many other hazards can be present."