THE grand final of the Co-operative Conference National League One at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium was delayed for more than an hour after a fire was deliberately started in toilets beneath the West Stand.
Fire crews from Warrington and Stockton Heath were called to the ground after the blaze was discovered shortly before 6pm last night.
Fans were forced to evacuate the stand and move on to the pitch when alarms went off.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze, which was in a cleaner’s cupboard in the female toilets.
Fire service spokesman John Turner said it was clear the fire had been deliberately started. The area was open to the public immediately prior to the outbreak. Damage was restricted to the timber cupboard and some pipework and there was also some minor smoke damage.
No-one was injured and the blaze was extinguished without causing serious damage. But the start of the game between Halifax and Featherstone was delayed by more than an hour.
Fans from the West Stand were eventually escorted to the East Stand by police and stewards.
When the game eventually got under way, Halifax proved victorious.
Mr Turner praised the actions and procedures of the stadium staff who directed firefighters to the incident without delay.
More than 1,400 people were evactuated from the stand in a calm and professional manner.
Mr Turner added: “The fire marshalls did an excellent job at the initial attack and on our brief as we arrived. I will be writing to the manager to convey our thanks to his staff on a job well done.”
A fire at the old Wilderspool Stadium completely destroyed a stand some years ago. But stands at the Halliwell Jones are built from concrete which prevented more serious damage.
Police are appealing for witnesses.
Pictures show fans being evacuated from the affected area.
