Arsonist blamed for Yapton fire

Fire investigation officers have sifted through the remains of the fire which destroyed the contents of a recycling compound in Burndell Road.

They have been joined there by scenes of crimes officers from the police and agreed the blaze was begun deliberately.

The fire destroyed three articulated trailers, about 2,000 tyres and ten bales of recycled cardboard and paper.

The first calls about the fire were received at 11.50pm last night (Sunday).

Almost another 50 calls were received from nearby residents as explosions sounded throughout the quiet night. These are thought to have been caused by the suspension on the trailers collapsing or the tyres catching fire. Flames could be seen leaping into the sky.

The closest residents live about 100-200 yards away.

They were warned to keep their windows closed because of the toxic smoke from the burning objects. But the wind direction meant that it drifted seawards rather than north towards the village centre.

Some 30 firefighters from Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Arundel attended. Most of the fire was put out within a couple of hours but pockets of flames still remained at 4am.

Relief crews were called in from Worthing and Findon to maintain the firefighting presence.

It was not until 6.50am - seven hours after the alarm was raised - that the fire was officially declared to be closed.

The fire was contained to the external compound but it destroyed everything within the 20m by 40m site.

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