Firefighters tackle blaze in Littlehampton

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said it was called to the incident, in Beaconsfield Road. It was reported around 12.30pm, on Wednesday (July 8).

A spokesperson said: "Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines to the scene.

"Upon arrival crews found two sheds well alight. Firefighters extinguished the fire using hose reels.

"One crew remains at the scene damping down to ensure there are no further signs of fire."

Pictures from the scene show firefighters using hoses to damp down the blaze, with the two sheds almost completely destroyed and smoke continuing to rise as crews tackled remaining hotspots.

Earlier, a post on a local community Facebook group claimed there were no injuries and that firefighters had the incident under control. The fire service has not reported any injuries.

The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, firefighters are urging residents to take extra care outdoors, as an amber heat-health alert comes into force across the South East this week.

The warning follows the UK Health Security Agency's amber heat-health alert, which runs from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, until 9pm on Sunday, July 12, with temperatures forecast to climb into the 30s.

With the county experiencing a prolonged spell of hot, dry weather, firefighters are warning that the risk of wildfires is significantly increased.

The service is urging people to dispose of cigarettes responsibly, allow disposable barbecues to cool completely before binning them, keep barbecues away from trees and dry vegetation, and consider taking a picnic instead of lighting a barbecue. People are also being reminded to take litter home and to call 999 immediately if they discover a fire.

Nathan Cross, head of prevention at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We know that people will want to enjoy this exceptionally warm weather and make lots of memories outdoors with their loved ones.

"However, it is important that this is done safely as during periods of dry and sustained warm weather, the chance of wildfires spreading rapidly is high. Being a predominantly rural county, we have a lot of countryside and green spaces that need protecting.

"We are urging people to play their part in preventing devastating incidents from happening."

The fire service is also highlighting the dangers of swimming in open water during hot weather after several fatal incidents were reported around the country during previous heatwaves.

Advice includes choosing beaches with lifeguards, entering the water slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock, avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol or after a large meal, and ensuring someone remains on shore with access to a mobile phone.

Mr Cross added: "Already we have seen many news articles about people who have died after getting into trouble in open water during the previous two heatwaves. Please familiarise yourselves with the RNLI's 'Float to Live' advice, and share this with young family members too, as it really is life-saving information."

The amber heat-health alert remains in place across the South East until Sunday evening, with health officials warning of increased risks for older people, those with underlying health conditions and other vulnerable groups.