Fire in Crawley that affected ‘10 properties’ of ‘accidental ignition’

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were alerted to a fire involving four properties at Ash Keys at 2.41pm on Monday, August 3.

But in an update posted on Facebook at 4.48pm the same day, the fire service confirmed the blaze had spread to six further properties.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “Yesterday's fire at Ash Keys was extinguished at around 6.10pm and fire crews returned to the scene throughout the night to carry out re-inspections of the area.

“At the height of the incident, we had eight fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene.

“The fire affected 10 properties, with four seriously damaged by fire.

“The six further properties have experienced damaged to the rear of the properties, as well as their gardens, fences and outbuildings.

“While initial reports suggested that the fire may have been caused by a bonfire, our Fire Investigation has concluded that the fire was of accidental ignition, with the most probable cause attributed to an electrical fault.”