'Our pups were amazing': Dogs helped to safety during major fire at Lancing Business Park
Eleven dogs were helped to safety as firefighters tackled a major blaze involving two industrial buildings in Lancing.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue crews were alerted to the incident in Chartwell Road at 4.24pm on Thursday, October 22.
The fire affected two industrial buildings at Lancing Business Park (LBP), and was confirmed to be accidental.
Amid the incident, photos emerged of firefighters leading dogs to safety from a nearby daycare service.
An eyewitness reported that eleven dogs were rescued from the business park.
The Little Doggy Day Care Sussex, at 43 Chartwell Road, said all the dogs in its care were brought out safely during the emergency.
In a Facebook post, the business thanked staff, firefighters and owners, saying its rehearsed fire evacuations had proved valuable.
“Thank the heavens we practiced fire evacuations,” a spokesperson said.
“Even though we have never had a fire, tonight it came to good use. And, I have to say, our pups were amazing.
“Thank you to all the mums and dads for staying calm and knowing we would get all the pups out safe.”
The business also confirmed its staff escaped unharmed.
LBP said the dogs ‘were never at risk’ during the incident. However, the decision to evacuate them was made after seeing ‘concerned’ owners desperate to reunite with their pets.
A spokesperson for the park said crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) ‘didn’t hesitate’ when asked if they could help escort the dogs out.
“They immediately assessed the plan, gained approval and provided two officers to help walk the dogs safely out,” an LBP spokesperson said.
"All credit needs to be given to dog walkers, as it’s not easy walking three/four dogs each."
The Little Doggy Day Care Sussex reopened on Friday (October 23).
It has thanked local residents for their ‘kind messages’.