Blaze destroys workshops

Around 60 firefighters in eight engines were called out to tackle the fire, which engulfed two of the farm's three buildings. Both were used by local businesses.

Uckfield Leading Firefighter Nigel Cusack, who was first on the scene shortly after 10.40pm, said the situation was far too risky to send his crew close to the inferno.

He said: 'When we arrived, the flames were leaping through the roof and were spreading to a second unit. There was no doubt it was a severe fire.

'We were concerned about cylinders of compressed gas and argon being stored in the units, which could easily have exploded. We also knew that welding took place in one of the units, so there were great concerns about that as well '“ welding often uses highly flammable acetate.'

The units in question were used by a fabrication firm (where the welding equipment was being stored), a printing company (owner of the compressed gas and argon), and a wood-turning craftsman who made rocking horses.

Crews held back and fought the fire from a 'defensive' position outside. The cylinders and welding equipment were cooled as much as possible by a jet of water from a distance, which managed to avert the possible devastating explosion.

Two water carriers had to be brought in due to a shortage of water in the Framfield area. Five fire fighters wore breathing apparatus, eight water jets were used and a control unit was brought in to co-ordinate the fire fighting.

Units came from Uckfield, Heathfield, Barcombe, Burwash, Mayfield and Crowborough.

The flames were finally extinguished at just after 1.30am on Wednesday, but crews were still 'damping down' the area throughout the day.

The cause of the fire is unknown. A spokesman for the fire brigade said it was too early to say if the incident was arson or accident.

Fire investigators and police officers examined the area on Wednesday morning and returned yesterday (Thursday) with Nigel Cusack and other firefighters to continue the investigation.

Mr Cusack said: 'I would like to thank my superb team, which worked superbly under extreme pressure to bring this very serious situation under control.'