A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire at a flat in Ilkeston. A woman was taken to hospital, although her injuries are not believed to be serious.
Emergency services were called to Burns Street at 4.45pm on Thursday, August 20.
Fire crews from Ilkeston and Heanor attended, supported by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Eastwood and Highfields.
When firefighters arrived, they found the building well alight, with smoke coming from the property.
A female occupant had been rescued by a resident before emergency services arrived. She received treatment from East Midlands Ambulance Service and was later taken to hospital.
Derbyshire Constabulary said a man and woman, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson. They remained in police custody at the time of the force’s update.
Police said the arrested woman’s injuries were not believed to be serious.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze before damping down and ventilating the building. The final crews left at 7.15pm and handed the scene over to police.
A joint investigation by police and the fire service concluded that the most likely cause was the deliberate ignition of a barbecue on soft furnishings.
A cordon remained in place on Friday morning while enquiries continued.
