ARSONISTS are suspected of being behind a blaze at a residential home for young disabled people which destroyed its physiotherapy centre and valuable equipment.
Up to £100,000 damage was caused in the fire in an annexe at Melbreck House in Tilford Road, Rushmoor, on Sunday evening.
Staff were forced to evacuate residents from the home as a safety precaution, but no one was injured in the incident.
Fire crews from Farnham, Haslemere, Grayshott and Rushmoor spent more than 45 minutes bringing the fire under control.
Water from the home's swimming pool was used by firefighters using three hoses - but they were unable to save the physiotherapy block.
The timber building, measuring 20 by 10 metres, was used for treatment and as an arts day centre for its 24 residents.
According to fire services, the main building suffered minor heat damage including cracked windows and melted guttering. A people carrier vehicle on the site was also damaged.
Officer Chris Harding from Surrey Fire Brigade was at the scene less than eight minutes after it started at 7-50 pm.
He said there had been concern about gas cylinders and other equipment in the building causing a hazard to their operation.
"When we arrived, the building was already going up. We knew that we were not going to be able to save it as it was timber.
"Our main job was to stop it spreading to the main building. The fire did affect nearby woodland, but we were able to control it."
He added that it was believed to have started on the outside of the annexe, which led them to suspect it was a case of arson.
A spokesperson for Robinia Care, who manage the private home, praised staff for calmly evacuating the main building and also the fire service for their quick response.
He said that physiotherapy and individual equipment, including wheelchairs, was lost in the fire and the management team were deeply distressed to learn of the incident. He explained the facility dealt with young adults aged over 19 and offered invaluable care and support to them.
"We have other resources which we can use for residents, and it is fortunate that this has happened during the Easter holidays when we can make alternative arrangements," he said.
"The home assists with lifelong learning and development of individuals' skills, which many (able-bodied) people take for granted. It is a permanent home and has dedicated skilled staff."
He did not wish to comment on the investigation into suspected arson, but added that the home would be seeking to replace the physiotherapy facility as soon as possible.
Police are continuing their investigations into the case, and any information should be given to Pc Graham Edgley at Farnham Police on (01252) 716262.