POLICE investigating a suspected arson blaze which damaged the Spar store in Penistone have arrested a 12-year-old boy, the South Yorkshire force has confirmed.
But concerns have now been raised about South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s response to the incident, after it emerged the Penistone-based fire engine could not be sent because there was no crew available.
That meant the first crew to arrive were part-timers based in Stocksbridge, with full time colleagues from the Barnsley station following.
Former firefighter Noel Butcher, who has served in Penistone as well as other Barnsley stations, said the fire in the Spar was well established by the time firefighters arrived on Monday afternoon. The incident left the store closed but it has now re-opened.
Mr Butcher said it took longer than expected for firefighters to arrive and start tackling the flames.
The incident was witnessed by Jamie Pegg, manager of the Co-op store across the road, and he said occupants of the building were able to evacuate safely.
Mr Butcher said he had been stationed in Penistone when it lost its full time cover, meaning firefighters were no longer based there 24 hours a day.
“I was a campaigner when they took the whole time service away from Penistone,” said Mr Butcher.
“At the time we were guaranteed there would always be fire cover 24 hours a day.”
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed firefighters spent about 90 minutes at the scene and were treating the fire as deliberately started.
No comment was available from Spar.
