Arson probe after suspicious fire at bus compound

An arson attack is believed to be responsible for six old buses being devastated at a compound in Wigan.
Firefighters were alerted to a large blaze in Platt Bridge last nightFirefighters were alerted to a large blaze in Platt Bridge last night
Firefighters were alerted to a large blaze in Platt Bridge last night

But firefighters say only prompt action prevented the blaze, at a site off Templeton Road South, in Platt Bridge, becoming more of a serious incident.

Crews from Hindley and Wigan stations were alerted at around 10.30pm last night to reports of a fire at the compound.

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And using a hosereel jet and breathing apparatus, firefighters managed to contain the incident to just six old buses and one forklift truck.

Watch manager Mike Wilding, of Hindley station, said: "We worked hard to prevent the fire from spreading to other vehicles on the site.

"Three appliances attended as a great deal of water was required but the only environmental impact was the smoke which was coming from the fire.

"The site is quite vast and I had a walk around after the incident. It is quite open and there is easy access, and we have some problems with youths in this area, so we cannot rule out that the fire may have been caused deliberately."

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An investigation is expected to be conducted by Greater Manchester Police but firefighters reported that there were difficulties in locating a keyholder for the compound, while the incident was ongoing.