Residents of a large retirement complex in Swansea have been left shaken after multiple deliberately-lit fires broke out over two days. Firefighters were called to Homegower House on St Helen's Road on Tuesday, August 4, and again the following day. South Wales Police attended both incidents, confirming no injuries and that enquiries to identify a suspect are ongoing.
Resident's Account
One resident, a 62-year-old former Army man who asked not to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was alerted to the first fire by a neighbour banging on his door. He said: "He said 'we need to get out, there's a fire downstairs'. I grabbed my dog and off we went." His wife, who was at work, is now "too scared to be left alone".
The resident explained that the building operates a stay-put policy when the fire alarm sounds. He understood the two fires on Tuesday were in separate refuse storage areas, with one taking hold more than the other. He spent Tuesday night guarding the main lounge and patrolling the building before handing over to another resident at 2am.
Security Measures Implemented
Police stayed overnight on Wednesday, forensics officers have attended, and private security is now present at all hours. The resident said some residents were "shaking and in tears" on Wednesday and that at least three have moved out. He added that a new fire system had been installed about five months ago, and access to the building requires a fob and keys.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating following reports of multiple deliberately-lit fires across two days at an address in Swansea. The fire service attended Homegower House on St Helen's Road following reports of two fires – at 10am and 12.30pm – on Tuesday August 4 and attended again on Wednesday August 5 at 7.30pm. All fires were extinguished and no injuries were sustained. No evacuation took place. Enquiries are currently ongoing in order to identify a suspect."
Fire Service Response
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported that three crews attended on Tuesday morning to a fire involving one bin, with smoke spreading to flats on several floors. They extinguished it and ventilated the building. Later, three crews dealt with another bin fire. On Wednesday, two crews responded to a fire involving noticeboards on the second floor, which was already out on arrival. A spokesman said: "It's believed these fires were started deliberately. Additional fire safety precautions have been implemented at the property."
Community Reaction
Local councillor David Phillips expressed shock, saying: "This is very surprising, in fact I'm shocked. I've been working with the residents of Homegower House over the past few years on several issues but nothing like this." He described the building's interior as "like a warren" and pledged support for residents.
FirstPort, which manages Homegower House, said: "The safety of residents is our utmost priority. We are supporting the police and fire service while their investigation continues. We have immediately implemented a number of security measures, including the deployment of a professional waking watch service overnight to provide continued patrols across the building. In addition, we will be adding security patrols and installing temporary surveillance equipment." The company added that bin storage areas will be locked outside normal operating hours as a precaution.
