Residents of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a peaceful market town in North West Leicestershire, awoke on Friday, November 21, 2025, to the blaring of sirens and the sight of thick plumes of black smoke drifting across the morning sky. Within a mere 20 minutes, three separate house fires erupted across the town, prompting a swift and wide-scale emergency response and leaving the community shaken.
According to reports from Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the first call came in at 7:05 AM, alerting authorities to a blaze at a home on Holywell Avenue. Just three minutes later, at 7:08 AM, a second fire was reported on Prestop Drive. The third and final incident of the morning was called in at 7:19 AM from Cliffton Drive. All three addresses are within a two-mile radius, intensifying the urgency of the situation for emergency responders.
Firefighters, supported by five pumps and an aerial ladder platform, raced to the scene, battling flames while thick smoke billowed for miles. Paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service worked alongside officers from Leicestershire Police, Cadent Gas, and the National Grid to ensure the safety of residents and secure the affected areas. The B6006 Smisby Road, a key route through the town, was swiftly closed to traffic, and drivers were warned to avoid the area due to ongoing emergencies and roadblocks.
Tragically, three individuals—a woman and two teenagers—were caught in the chaos. All three were rescued from the house on Holywell Avenue and rushed to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre for treatment. One of the teenagers is being treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation, while the other teenager and the woman are being treated for smoke inhalation. Authorities have confirmed that, fortunately, none of the injuries are believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby of Leicestershire Police addressed the public, stating, "Our investigation remains at an early stage as we continue to piece together the circumstances behind these three incidents. From what we know so far, we believe these incidents to be linked and deliberately caused by the same person." Willoughby urged anyone with information about the events to contact the police, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in the ongoing investigation. He added, "I would ask anyone who may have any information about any of these incidents, to please get in touch." Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting incident 104 of 21 November, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
As forensic officers combed through the charred remains at Prestop Drive and other affected homes, the scale of the emergency became clear. Images from the scene, published by Metro and other outlets, showed homes with significant damage, including at least one with a large hole in its roof. The fires, described by police as "deliberately caused," sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbors expressing concern and gratitude for the rapid response of the emergency services.
Within hours of the incidents, police announced the arrest of a 50-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect was taken into custody and, as of Friday afternoon, remained there for questioning. Authorities have not released further details about the man's identity or possible motives, citing the early stage of the investigation. However, police have confirmed their belief that all three fires were set by the same individual—a conclusion supported by the close timing and proximity of the blazes.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement highlighting the coordinated response: "Our crews are currently attending a house fire on Holywell Avenue in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, called in at 7:05 this morning; five pumps are attending plus our aerial ladder platform, four breathing apparatus are being used to tackle the blaze. Crews have also attended a house fire on Prestop Drive, also called in this morning. This fire has been extinguished and all persons at this address have been accounted for. Leicestershire Police and East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) are in attendance, along with partners from Cadent and National Grid. Three casualties have been treated and have been transferred to hospital by EMAS."
Local MP Amanda Hack weighed in, expressing concern and solidarity: "I'm aware of the incident in Ashby this morning and am in contact with local police. Thank you to all the emergency services involved in the response." Her comments echoed a wider sentiment of relief that, despite the scale and severity of the fires, no lives were lost and injuries were not more severe.
Scene preservations remain in place at each location as investigators continue their work. Forensic teams are meticulously examining the properties, searching for clues that might shed light on how and why the fires were started. The ongoing closure of Smisby Road and the visible police presence have served as a stark reminder to residents of the gravity of Friday's events.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Ashby-de-la-Zouch are left grappling with the aftermath of a morning that upended their sense of security. Some residents have taken to social media to share updates and express their concerns, with one witness commenting, "Hope everyone is ok, there's also something on Preston drive... Roads closed and fire engine etc there, hope all is ok there as well." Such messages reflect both the uncertainty and the community spirit that often surfaces in times of crisis.
Police and fire officials continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Detective Inspector Willoughby reiterated, "Significant enquiries are being carried out to locate the person believed to be responsible." The appeal for witnesses remains open, with authorities stressing the importance of even the smallest detail in piecing together the events of that harrowing morning.
While the motive behind the attacks remains unclear, the swift action by emergency services and the arrest of a suspect have provided some reassurance to the shaken community. As the town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch begins the process of recovery, the hope is that answers will soon emerge, bringing closure to those affected and restoring a sense of calm to this Leicestershire town.
