Play equipment at West Park in Kirkby-in-Ashfield was badly damaged after a deliberately set fire, the district council has confirmed. The blaze, which broke out shortly after 7.30pm on Monday 10 August, destroyed wooden beams and tyres used in the playground and caused “thousands of pounds” worth of damage.
Firefighters from Hucknall were called to the scene and brought the fire under control. Subsequent investigations by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have concluded the cause was deliberate, prompting urgent enquiries by Ashfield District Council’s environment team.
Community site left scorched
Images shared by the council on social media show charred playground structures and scorched ground. The council’s spokesman described the reaction as one of being "beyond saddened and disappointed" and warned that the incident was far from harmless mischief.
“This is not just a bit of fun, or even anti-social behaviour. This reckless act is a crime that put people, wildlife and property at risk.” — Ashfield District Council spokesman
The incident came amid a wider strain on emergency services. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service had declared a major incident only days earlier after crews were inundated with calls during a period of numerous field and grass fires across the county. The government also issued an emergency alert on 14 August warning of wildfire risk and urging people to avoid activities that could start fires — including disposable barbecues, firepits, incinerators and fireworks.
What happened and what’s next
Ashfield District Council’s environment team have begun a clean-up of West Park, but the playground will remain out of use while damage is assessed and repairs are organised. The council said it will be investigating to identify the person or people responsible and urged anyone with information to get in touch.
- Incident location: West Park, Forster Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
- Time: Shortly after 7.30pm on Monday 10 August
- Response: Fire crews from Hucknall attended and extinguished the blaze
- Damage: Playground wooden beams and tyres destroyed; estimated damage in the thousands of pounds
Residents have been asked to report any information directly to the council by direct message on social media or by email. The council’s statement reinforced the message that deliberate fires place lives, wildlife and property at risk and divert valuable fire service resources during an already pressured period.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 10 August (shortly after 7.30pm) | Blaze reported at West Park; firefighters called to scene |
| Following days | Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue confirmed cause as deliberate; council shares images and begins cleanup |
| 14 August | Government issues emergency alert about wildfire risk across region |
The attack removes a community facility at a time when outdoor spaces are relied upon by local families and young people. Repairs and replacements to playground equipment cost local authorities both in cash and time, stretching budgets already under pressure.
For residents of Kirkby and the surrounding area, the council’s appeal is straightforward: come forward if you know anything. Even small pieces of information can help investigators identify suspects and hold them to account. The incident also serves as a reminder to take extra care with anything that might start a fire while the risk from dry conditions has not fully passed.
Further updates will be provided by Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as the inquiry develops.
