LATEST: Forensics arrive at fire-struck Chippenham home as police launch probe
A home in Chippenham has gone up in flames again – three weeks after an arson attack.
Firefighters were called to Burnt Cottage in London Road in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).
The same property suffered significant damage in what’s believed to be a deliberate blaze back on 21 December.
Nearly three weeks on, and emergency services were called to a similar incident involving the front room of the building – which isn’t thought to be lived in a present.
Three fire crews were seen to be in attendance at around 1am, where efforts were made to put out the flames and check the property for any possible occupants.
At 6.30am, police officers were guarding the scene ahead of fire investigation work that’s expected to take place during daylight.
Wiltshire Police said it is investigating the fire and asks witnesses to contact them by calling 101 and quoting log number 008 of 10 January.
The property was first destroyed in a fire in 2013 – with the blame firmly put on faulty wiring. In 2022, it was purchased, refurbished and named Burnt Cottage.
In a statement, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that crews from Chippenham and Corsham attended the scene alongside an aerial latter platform appliance from Swindon.
“Eight breathing apparatus wearers used hose reel jets to extinguish a fire located in the ground floor living room, and a second seat of fire in a ground floor wall cavity”, a spokesperson said.
Fire crews were stood down shortly before 4am and the incident was handed over to the police.