A fire at a home in Boston on Friday (October 2) that led to properties being evacuated over gas leak fears was started deliberately, the fire service has said.

Three crews from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a domestic fire in Westfield Avenue shortly before 9pm.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus, two dry powder extinguishers, small tools and a specialist saw in efforts to extinguish the fire.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “There was significant fire damage to an external gas meter and electrical utility unit, as well as significant smoke damage throughout one property.

The scene in Westfield Avenue, Boston, as emergency services and utility companies respond to the incident.

placeholder image — The scene in Westfield Avenue, Boston, as emergency services and utility companies respond to the incident.

“With the potential danger of a gas leak, households nearby were evacuated as a precaution.”

An eye-witness reported to the Standard that 30 to 40 people were left standing at the end of the street as a result of the evacuation.

Fire investigators were on scene in the early hours of Saturday morning, the fire service spokesman said, and determined that this incident was caused deliberately.

They said the fire service is working closely with Lincolnshire Police over the incident.

Anyone who has information related to this, or any other deliberate fires, is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on the non-emergency number of 101, quoting incident 513 of October 2, or report it anonymously through FireStoppers online at www.FireStoppersReport.co.uk or by phoning 0800 169 5558.

Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers at CrimeStoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

A spokesman for Cadent said: “We have been working to support the emergency services in relation to this incident.

“Following investigations, we are satisfied that our network remains sound and was not the cause of this incident.

“Of course, it remains the case that if anybody can smell gas and/or think that there might be a leak, you must call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999, any time, day or night.”