Wells fire incident highlights partnership working

On Thursday 29 August 2024, just before 3pm, police were called to a multi-agency response incident of a large fire on the East Hills in Wells-next-the-Sea - a site of special scientific interest only accessible by boat, or a treacherous 4 mile walk across creeks and salt marsh.

At least six fire engines and extra support vehicles from the North Norfolk area attended the incident, along with a local coast guard unit. Norfolk Constabulary’s marine team, alongside RNLI lifeboats and boats provided by the Wells harbour commissioners transported fire fighters and equipment to the East Hills island. As the tide went out later in the evening, approximately 40 fire fighters were then transported back to Wells RNLI lifeboat station.

Norfolk Police deployed, for the first time, a new police boat which had been added to our resources to predominantly carry out search and recovery missions around difficult to access rivers and lakes.

The incident unfolded in front of hundreds of holiday makers and beach goers while our response officers and Beat Manager for Wells carried out a prompt investigation, including speaking to witnesses, which lead to the early arrest of a man in his 60s on suspicion of arson.

During the evening, as the water levels lowered, the fire unfortunately re-ignited, needing a revisit from everyone previously involved, along with our own Crime Scene Investigation team. We and the Wells inshore lifeboat were able to make maximum use of the incoming tide and time available by launching off the beach at Wells, and the fire was later fully extinguished.

This incident highlighted the diverse work of our coastal marine team, as well as being a true example of local emergency service teams applying years of local knowledge of the area, working together to respond to a major incident as a coordinated team. No individual service could have achieved this in isolation.

The man arrested on suspicion of arson has since been released on bail while an investigation continues.

 

Norfolk Constabulary’s Marine Team

Norfolk Constabulary’s Marine Team consists of full-time police officers, helped by a team of qualified marine reserve officers, special constabulary officers, and police support volunteers. The marine team is responsible for visibility, engagement, marine crime prevention and promoting water safety on the 125 miles of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads along with partner agencies. They also work with coastal marine partners and other agencies to deter and detect ‘organised immigration crime’ and drug importation.  

Our marine team are the longest running, sponsorship-funded marine unit in existence. This sponsorship allows the team to maintain its core functions; support incidents such as that in Wells; and sadly carry out more and more water-based searches for missing people, on or under the water.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Norfolk Constabulary’s marine team, please contact Sergeant Toby Gosden at: [email protected]