Kettering pub fire investigation finds blaze was 'started deliberately'

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at The Stitching Pony pub in Market Street, Kettering, shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday (December 13).

Christmas revellers were evacuated from the popular pub before firefighters arrived and tackled the flames.

Using breathing apparatus four firefighters made their way to the men’s first floor toilets where they found a fire in a cubicle.

A spokesman for Northants Fire and Rescue Service said: “It has been determined that the fire was started deliberately.

“The firefighters used hose reel jets to put the flames out, while fans were used to clear smoke out of the premises. A thorough search of the property found no-one was still inside.

“The fire was extinguished just before 9pm, with the toilet cubicle and parts of the first-floor sustaining smoke damage.

“Thermal imaging cameras were used to monitor temperatures, with crews returning to their stations shortly before 10pm once the scene was safe.

“It has been determined that the fire was started deliberately.”

The pub has since re-opened.