The remains of the Ski Village in Sheffield after the first fire. Courtesy SYFRSPolice have described an “open season” for criminals as a series of fires have broken out at a ski village in Sheffield.
A large fire broke out on 29 April and completely destroyed the main building of the ski village – which contained a bowling alley, bar and play area.
Up to 25 firefighters and five appliances pumped up to 3,000 litres of water a minute in an attempt to rescue the business but the fire completely devastated the building, leaving 50 staff looking for work.
A second fire then broke out on 1 May this time destroying a wooden hut controlling the ski lift.
Then, just three weeks later on 22 May, a third fire broke out on the ski slope itself. Police said at the time that criminals felt it was “open season” to target the ski village.
Insp Simon Leake said to BBC News, “Since the main fire we have had a number of criminal offences at the Ski Village.
“This includes people trying to steal the matting and other fixtures within the site.”
All of this followed another fire in March 2011 that destroyed the adventure playground, and was suspected to be arson.
Police are investigating all three fires, but suspect that the first one was accidental.
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said, “It is believed, at this time, the initial fire was started accidentally but enquiries are still ongoing. Two subsequent fires have been proven to have been started deliberately and the safer neighbourhood team are investigating. There have currently been no arrests.”
