Kent fire raises queries
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• A fire which devastated a Kent haulage yard last week may have been a case of arson.
Six vehicles were wrecked in the blaze at Newington, Sittingbourne-based G and B Haulage. Director Cohn Gadd managed to get one vehicle out but the others, including two Mercedes 6x4s, a Foden 6x4, a Mercedes 1617 rigid and a Volvo F6 curtainsider, were burnt out. Two portable offices were also damaged in the fire, which took almost three hours to bring under control.
Gadd, who has specialised in international and groupage work since 1975, is now relying on the goodwill of local operators to help him meet his contract commitments: "I am trying to hire in vehicles but they are few and far between in the run-up to Christmas," he says.
One line of investigation now being explored by the firm's insurers is that the fire could have started in a reefer unit which was loaded with film. Kent fire brigade officers say they are considering all possibilities, "including malicious or doubtful ignition".
The firm has not recieved any threats and Gadd says: "I would like to think there is a reason other than arson for the fire."