Eight fire engines were sent in response to a blaze which damaged a large house and outbuildings, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.
The fire service said that firefighters were called out to Northiam Road, Staplecross, at 4.20am yesterday (Wednesday 7 May) to reports of a fire “at a domestic property also affecting surrounding buildings”.
Yesterday morning, the fire service said: “Road closures are in place so please avoid the area and, if local, please keep windows and doors closed.
“Firefighters are continuing to tackle the fire including the use of breathing apparatus, three main jets, one hose-reel jet, two fire hydrants and a water bowser.
“As of 9.59am, the incident was being scaled down to three fire engines.”
In an update, the fire service said: “As of 10.53am, steady progress has been made. Three main jets are in use, using two hydrants.”
And in a later update, the fire service added: “As of 2.41pm, the incident has been scaled down to two fire engines and crews are damping down to ensure the fire is completely out.
“As of 4.35pm, the fire has been extinguished. A reinspection is due to take place this evening to check the buildings. However, all firefighting operations are complete.”
After the reinspection, the fire service that the “stop message” came in at 8.22pm.
It said: “Firefighters worked extremely hard, using 30 breathing apparatus, five main jets and three hose-reel jets to tackle the fire, utilising water from fire hydrants and a water bowser.
“Thermal imaging cameras were also used to check for hotspots.
“At the height of the incident there were eight fire engines, with crews from Broad Oak, Battle, The Ridge (Hastings), Bohemia Road (Hastings), Bexhill, Rye, Wadhurst, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Heathfield and Newhaven in attendance throughout the day, as well as the command unit (Bexhill), water carrier (Uckfield), dual purpose truck (Uckfield) and support from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
“Crews quickly ensured the owner of the property was safe and two neighbouring properties were also evacuated at the time of the incident.
“There were no casualties reported and the cause of the fire will be investigated in due course.”
Fantastic reporting. I still have no idea of where this incident was!!