Arson investigation underway after canal barge is set on fire in the Fylde

Fire crews found the boat ablaze on the canal near Station Road in Clifton at around 11.40pm last night (Saturday, March 28).

Firefighters from Penwortham, Fulwood and Preston, along with the aerial support unit, battled the blaze for more than two hours.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be suspicious and has been reported to Lancashire Police.

No injuries have been reported.

A fire service spokesman said: "The boat was well alight when firefighters arrived and they quickly set about extinguishing the fire using a hose reel, two jets and a major pump.

"The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, is thought to be suspicious.

"Crews were in attendance for approximately two hours and ten minutes."

Lancashire Police have been approached for comment.

Last year, two canal boats were set alight on the Lancaster Canal west of Preston.

On July 2, 2019, a small canal cruiser was found engulfed in flames off Dunnock Lane, Cottam, near UCLAN Sports Arena.

The boat was not occupied at the time of the fire.

Earlier that year, shortly before 11pm on May 23, fire crews were called to Lancaster Canal near Lea Road after a barge was set alight.

The torched barge was completely destroyed. A joint LFRS and Lancashire Police investigation concluded that the fire had been started deliberately.