Plymouth Argyle release statement revealing police are treating stadium fire as arson amid ongoing probe

Entrance gates to Plymouth Argyle football stadium

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service arrived within minutes of the alert

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Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 18/11/2025

- 17:23

Firefighters successfully contained the blaze to the immediate area and used hoses to prevent it from spreading to the main structure

Plymouth Argyle have confirmed they are investigating Monday evening's blaze at Home Park as a deliberate act of arson.

Emergency services responded to the League One club's stadium at approximately 9:10pm after flames were reported.


The incident resulted in the complete destruction of two portable toilets positioned adjacent to the stadium building.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service arrived within minutes of the alert.

Firefighters successfully contained the blaze to the immediate area and used hoses to prevent it from spreading to the main structure.

The club issued an official statement on Tuesday confirming their stance on the incident's suspicious nature.

It read: “Following the small fire that broke out outside Home Park Stadium last night, investigations began to identify the cause of the fire.

“We can now confirm the fire broke out at 21:13 next to the portaloo outside the Babcock Devonport End."

Plymouth Argyle FC

Firefighters successfully contained the blaze to the immediate area and used hoses to prevent it from spreading to the main structure

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GETTY

The statement continued: “We are now treating the incident as arson, with CCTV provided to the police.

“We would like to thank the fire brigade for their incredible response, reaching the site of the incident within three minutes of it starting and limiting the damage caused.

“The response of the community has also been incredible, and one of our contractors has offered to clean up the affected area today, which will see the area returned to normal as quickly as possible.

“The matter is now with the police and we will be making no further comment.”

Plymouth Argyle statement

The club issued an official statement on Tuesday

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This fire follows a more serious incident at fellow Devon club Exeter City's St James Park ground last Wednesday.

That blaze erupted around 10pm and originated from an electrical consumer unit before spreading to an adjacent Portacabin and outdoor storage facility.

The severity of the Exeter fire necessitated the deployment of five fire crews to battle the flames.

Witnesses captured dramatic scenes showing an ominous red glow illuminating the night sky whilst thick black smoke billowed upwards.

Plymouth Argyle FC

The Plymouth fire was swiftly extinguished with minimal damage limited to outdoor facilities

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The inferno consumed portions of the away section and the Adam Stansfield stand located at the St James Road and Well Street side of the ground.

Firefighters required two hours to bring the situation under control.

Whilst the Plymouth fire was swiftly extinguished with minimal damage limited to outdoor facilities, Exeter's blaze proved far more destructive.

Both clubs now face investigations into their respective incidents.

The timing has raised concerns amongst supporters of both Devon rivals, with questions emerging about stadium security measures across the region.