A caravan fire in Bristol's Clifton Down area is being treated as arson, with investigators labelling the cause as 'deliberate ignition'. The blaze broke out on Parry's Lane in the early hours of Monday, August 18, prompting a response from three fire crews.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service crews from Southmead, Hicks Gate and Temple Back tackled the fire, using a hose reel jet to extinguish it quickly. A spokesperson confirmed the cause has been recorded as deliberate, sparking an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police.
The incident comes amid growing tensions in the area, which has become known as 'Britain's van-dweller capital'. Over 600 people live in more than 100 vans on the Downs, driven there by soaring rental costs in the city. Some locals have expressed frustration, and a group called Protect the Downs shared a video warning of safety risks from the parked caravans.
One van dweller told reporters they wouldn't be surprised if a resident started the fire, citing verbal abuse and a recent incident where someone spray-painted an offensive word on a neighbouring caravan. The dweller added, 'They think that just because they pay rent, the Downs belongs to them.'
Bristol City Council is reportedly seeking a permanent site for van-dwellers to address the ongoing situation. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
