'Fast spreading' Chichester field fire extinguished

A 'fast spreading' and 'challenging' fire in a field at Church Road has now been extinguished.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jul 2018, 16:27 BST
Updated 19th Jul 2018, 20:43 BST
Up to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue ServiceUp to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Up to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

Up to 40 firefighters attended the scene at the old Portfield Football Club along with eight police officers and at least four ambulance crew members from one ambulance and one emergency discovery vehicle.

Westhampnett Road was closed between Sainsbury's and Spitalfield Lane, but it is anticipated to be re-opened 'before rush hour'.

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Adrian Murphy, area manager and response for the fire service, said: "It was a fast spreading fire. The first engine arrived and called for eight further engines to deal with the fire.

Up to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue ServiceUp to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Up to 40 firefighters attended the scene. Picture courtesy of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

"It was a challenge accessing the fire. It started to spread affecting neighbouring properties.

"We have now put the fire out and it is under control."

A resident and witness of the blaze said: "It has happened quite a few times over the last few weeks.

"We had to hose it ourselves until further assistance came."

Initially, the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service asked people to 'please avoid the area'.

Read our initial story here: Eight fire engines dealing with fire in Chichester

Related topics:West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service