A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a large fire in Apsley on Saturday, January 22.
Emergency services were called to the scene around Fourdrinier Way in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead at around 3.35pm to tackle the blaze.
Nobody was injured in the fire but the visitor centre at The Frogmore Paper Mill was damaged extensively. Police have now revealed the fire was deemed to have been started ‘deliberately.’
Hertfordshire Police told MyLocalNews: “It was reported that a fire had started in a skip, before spreading to a nearby building. Officers attended to put road closures in place while the fire service worked to extinguish the blaze.
“It was deemed that the fire was started deliberately and investigations are continuing.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”
In a statement, Frogmore Paper Mill said: “Following a fire on 22 January 2022, Frogmore Paper Mill will be closed to visitors until further notice. Thankfully nobody was injured during the fire, but there has been extensive damage to the Mill’s visitor centre.
“We’re in the process of assessing the damage to the site and our collection, and we’re hopeful that our historic working paper machines have survived.
“We’re extremely grateful for the quick response of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue and their work to bring the fire under control. We’re working with the Police and Fire Service to help determine the cause of the fire.”
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Fire Service said: “Over the course of the incident we had 13 appliances in attendance.
“One industrial unit approximately 50m x 10m well alight. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, jets and hose reels to tackle the blaze.
“Fire was under control at approximately 6.30pm but crews remained on the scene for dampening down etc.
“We are now working jointly with the police to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently listed as deliberate”
Frogmore Paper Mill is a site where volunteers have worked over many years to preserve the history of paper making and to enthuse the young with interest for technology. It is ironic that a 13 year old boy is suspected of arson.
Dreadful occurrence. Good that historic machinery saved. Marvellous job by fire crew. Hope the visitor centre can be rebuilt.