Blowtorch starts house fire

FIRE ripped through a house in Uckfield as a result of an accident involving a workman using a blowtorch.

The 17th Century house on London Road was gutted when the worker was using the torch on the roof. It is believed burning hot tar fell through the roof into the building and started the fire.

Firefighters received the call to attend at 12.15pm on Wednesday. Six appliances from Uckfield, Lewes, Heathfield and Burwash plus 30 firefighters were on the scene.

Officers fought for an hour and a half to put out the fire, which completely destroyed the building s first floor and severely damaged the ground floor. A ladder platform, from Eastbourne, was also used to demolish the weakened chimney.

The last firefighters were stood down at around 6pm.

It is believed the owners of the house were away while builders worked on adding an extension to the building. The work was nearly complete when the fire struck.

Senior fire safety officer Brian Cole said: This incident highlights the dangers of using blow lamps. We suggest that people use a hot air stripper instead, although they still need to be vigilant.

The hot air should not be kept on any one area for long periods of time and a bucket of water or even a damp cloth should be kept near at all times.

LEFT: Firefighters outside the smouldering building.