Fire at The Chequers pub in Pampisford was accidental, investigation concludes

An investigation has found there was “nothing to suggest” a fire that destroyed The Chequers pub in Pampisford was started deliberately.

Firefighters from Cambridgeshire and Essex were called to the blaze at the 17th century pub on Town Lane at 11.15pm on Wednesday (December 8).

Around 50 firefighters from Cambridge, Linton, St Ives, Huntingdon, Gamlingay, St Neots and Sawston attended the incident along with crews from Saffron Walden, Newport and Halstead in Essex.

The crews worked throughout the night and into the morning to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring thatched properties.

A fire service investigation into the blaze concluded the fire was started accidentally.

A spokesman on Friday (December 10) said: “The building was significantly damaged by the fire, with the structural integrity being compromised. This has made it challenging to safely enter the building to pinpoint what exactly caused the fire to start. However there is nothing to suggest the fire was started deliberately and nothing suspicious surrounding the circumstances.”

Community pub operator Admiral Taverns, who own The Chequers, said the building was “very seriously damaged” in fire.

“Thankfully, no one who was on-site at the time was injured and we are doing our utmost to support the landlord during this time,” a spokesperson said.

After the fire, South Cambridgeshire MP Anthony Browne said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of the fire. It is a true disaster for not only everyone involved in running this much-loved local pub but also the entire community in Pampisford. I hope everyone is safe and my thoughts are with all those affected.”