Anxious wait as Burgess Hill fire tackled

Owner of Broadhill Craft Workshops Tam Large, told the Middy how he had to stand back and watch the blaze at the Ockley Lane property on Thursday evening.

“We think there was some sort of power surge,” said Mr Large.

“It was the fuse board and the power circuits. The energy network had to come out and switch off the power.

“Unfortunately the tenants will be affected for the next couple of weeks.

“There are about 25 people who have been there for years. It was completely unforeseen.

“The fuse box went up in smoke. It was a long time we were waiting before the fire brigade could go in to put it out properly, but they were damping down. We were the ones who found it.

“It is one of those situations where it could have been so much worse.”

The building is used by a range of businesses - from the stonemasons to picture framers.

Four fire engines attended the scene from Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Brighton at 5.41pm, on November 27.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Ten per cent of the first floor and roof of the building was damaged by fire and heat.

“The intake box was destroyed by fire after being isolated by an electrician from UK Power Networks.”

The fire was found to be accidental and the crews left the scene at 8pm.

Mr Large praised West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, describing them as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

“The fire service arrived incredibly quickly,” he said. They were so organised.

“They were so kind and helpful and we were well briefed while we were standing there just watching.

“The building itself is fine and the damage inside is mostly water damage.

“The stonemasons is in there. For him it is going to be difficult.”

The building is used by a range of businesses - from the stonemasons to pictures framers.

“It is a nice little community and everyone pulls together. It is just one of those things.

“Everyone is safe so it is just a questions of getting the power back on.

“At least it means I get a whole new electricity circuit!”