Arson investigation launched as former restaurant torched for second time in six months

Firefighters in Preston were sent to tackle the blaze at the former Baffito's restaurant on Preston Docks at around 6.45pm on Thursday.

PIC: LFRS

The blaze is thought to have been started deliberately and is now being treated as arson.

Group manager Tom Powell said: "Four aerial ladder platforms from Penwortham, Preston, Fulwood and the USAR team are dealing with a derelict building in Preston.

"Sadly this is not our first incident at this address.

"Arson endangers lives and ties up vital fire service resources.

"Investigations ongoing."

4x 🚒 & ALP from @PenworthamFire, @Preston_Fire, @LFRS_USAR & @FulwoodFire are dealing with a derelict building 🔥 in Preston. Sadly not our first incident at this address. Arson endangers lives & ties up vital @LancashireFRS resources. Investigations ongoing, 📸 @IanArmistead pic.twitter.com/9z3Hf4RBYr

— Tom Powell (@tompowell_91) April 29, 2021

The fire was located on the ground floor of the two storey, derelict property, with crews swiftly acting to extinguish the blaze.

By 11pm all firefighting crews had left the incident.

PIC: NQ STAFF

Sadly, this is not the first time Baffito's has been hit by a fire as the former eatery, which was set to be turned into a care home, was torched back in December.

Station manager Ian Armistead said: "Crews have now left the incident.

"Early decisive firefighting tactics quickly prevented the fire from spreading further.

"Fire is being treated as suspicious and a joint investigation with Preston Police is ongoing."

@LancashireFRS crews have now left the incident. Early decisive firefighting tactics quickly prevented the fire from spreading further. Fire is being treated as suspicious and a joint investigation with @PrestonPolice ongoing #firefighters #preston pic.twitter.com/HlfWdsqmcA

— Ian Armistead (@IanArmistead) April 29, 2021

PIC NQ STAFF