Fire at Dunstable chalk pit started by teens on bikes?

Firefighters have been praised for dousing flames at Dunstable chalk pit under the blazing bank holiday sunshine.
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The crew was spotted at around 3pm on April 21.

One resident claimed: “I saw two [male] teenagers riding nearby on bikes –I suspect they started it. Some shrubbery and scrub had caught fire and the crew were also wetting the surrounding area because it was a very hot, dry day.

“They were using what looked like squirty guns, and must have walked a fair distance from where they were parked.

Left: Firefighters wet the area to ensure there are no more flames on the dry, hot day. Right: One of the bikers spotted by the resident (who also supplied the images).Left: Firefighters wet the area to ensure there are no more flames on the dry, hot day. Right: One of the bikers spotted by the resident (who also supplied the images).
Left: Firefighters wet the area to ensure there are no more flames on the dry, hot day. Right: One of the bikers spotted by the resident (who also supplied the images).

“There’s a real problem with nuisance bikers in the town.”

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A Bedfordshire Police spokeswoman, said: “This fire hasn’t been reported to us, but we do believe it is linked to an incident in a field adjacent to the chalk pit. We received reports of anti-social behaviour involving loud music and nuisance motorcycles at around 11.30am on April 21. A group of young people didn’t have permission to be on the land.”

Call police on 101. Ref 141 of April 21.

A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman, said: “Crews from Dunstable attended an outside fire in the Houghton Road area at 2.46pm (April 21).

“Leaves and undergrowth were alight and a backpack sprayer was used to extinguish the fire.”