Warning to arsonists after '˜nuisance' fire caused delays to firefighters attending crash

South Kirby Fire Station were called to reports of a fire in Hemsworth at around 4.40pm on Sunday May 15.

They arrived at the town centre to find that cardboard and rubbish had been deliberately set alight at the back of the Iceland store.

But they were consequently delayed in getting to the scene of the serious road traffic collision in South Elmsall, after receiving an emergency call at around 5pm.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital after the collision in Cambridge Street.

The Audi A4 he was in was travelling along the street in the direction of Barnsley Road, when it collided with a parked BMW 118d.

As a result of the crash, the BMW was then in collision with a parked Vauxhall Agile and a parked Volkswagen Caddy.

The Audi also collided with a building, causing extensive damage.

The man is believed to be in a ‘serious condition’.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about the crash.

Information can be reported to police by calling 101, quoting log 1179 of May 15.

Firefighters, who extracted the man, issued the warning to arsonists, who could be risking lives because of their acts.

Crew manager James Ward said they had received several similar calls over the past few weeks, relating to nuisance fires deliberately being started in the town centre.

Crew manager Ward said: “I just want to make people aware of the consequences of their actions.

“What might have seemed to be a bit of fun setting some rubbish on fire had the consequence that the pump was then tied up and couldn’t immediately attend another incident.

“It had to travel the distance from Hemsworth to South Elmsall.

“It all adds time to reaching the rescue.”