Deliberate fires in Wilburton

Dear Resident,

We are investigating a series of deliberate fires at the Pools Road Landfill site in Wilburton, following a concerning pattern of incidents over the past year.

Initially, fires were reported along the boundary of the site; however, more recent incidents have escalated, with two fires deliberately started within the operational area. These developments have significantly increased the level of risk associated with the site.

Deliberate fires in this environment pose serious dangers. They not only threaten the safety of site workers and emergency responders but also present a potential hazard to nearby residents. In dry conditions, fires can spread rapidly beyond their point of origin. In addition, decomposing waste at landfill sites produces highly flammable gases, which can ignite if exposed to a naked flame, increasing the potential for more severe incidents.

We are appealing to the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour is urged to contact emergency services via 999, or 101 for non-emergency information.

The latest crime reference associated with these incidents is 35/29925/26, if you have any information, please contact us quoting this number.

To address the issue, a joint services meeting was held last month, bringing together Cambridgeshire Police, East Cambridgeshire District Council, environmental services, FCC Environment, Cambridgeshire County Council’s planning department, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and County Councillor Tom Hawker-Dawson. Partners are working closely to coordinate a response and explore preventative measures.

Kind Regards,

Sergeant Mat Lupton-Pike

East Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Team