A fire which tore down a caravan in ‘Britain’s van-dweller capital’ is believed to have been started deliberately.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service were called to Parry’s Lane near Clifton Down, Bristol, following reports of a caravan blaze in the early hours of Monday morning, August 18.
The suspected arson attack comes amid growing tension with locals. The vehicle was ‘deliberately’ set ablaze on Clifton Downs in Bristol – where dozens of people live in more than 100 vans.
Fire crews from Southmead, Hicks Gate and Temple Back attended the incident on Parry’s Lane. A spokesperson from Avon Fire and Rescue said the cause of the fire had currently been recorded as “deliberate ignition” .
A spokesperson from Avon Fire and Rescue said the cause of the fire had currently been recorded as “deliberate ignition” .
There are over 600 people living in vans in Bristol amid spiraling rental costs – and many locals are unhappy with the situation.
Sharing a video from the scene, Protect the Downs said: “What could possibly go wrong? Nose to tail caravans, tinder dry ground and trees, gas cannisters just yards away, lots of houses opposite, caravan and van dwellers potentially asleep, possibly under the influence of drugs and unable to escape. We sincerely hope no one is injured or worse. This has to stop NOW! We have been asking the authorities for YEARS to address safety issues!”
Avon and Somerset Police has launched an investigation into the incident, which happened at 11pm on Saturday. Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was put out quickly using three appliances and a hose reel jet, with the cause deemed to be deliberate.
Bristol City Council is looking to find a permanent site for van-dwellers elsewhere.
One van dweller said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if a resident did it. Some of them have no respect. I have had some posh guy drive by shouting ‘get out of the Downs’. He then came and hit my caravan door and started ranting.
“They think that just because they pay rent the Downs and all its beauty belongs to them. They’re going about it the wrong way. It will have a backlash one way or the next.”
Another said: “Someone spray painted the c word just a few days before on one of the caravans next to the one that was burnt.
“They hate the feeling that there are caravans near them.”
