Fire breaks out near Haywards Heath flats

A fire broke out near a block of flats in Haywards Heath last night.
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Inspector Darren Taylor of Mid Sussex Police said the fire started in a bin near Winkfield Court in Boltro Road.

Twenty-nine flats had to be evactuated at 11.30pm due to the fire, he confirmed on Twitter.

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A spokesman for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “We were alerted to reports of a fire in the bin storage area of a block of flats on Boltro Road in Haywards Heath at 10.40pm last night (February 1).

“Joint Fire Control mobilised two appliances from Haywards Heath Fire Station to the scene, and upon arrival firefighters were met by residents tackling the fire and took over quickly, bringing the fire under control using one high pressure hose reel.

“They ventilated the area and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further hotspots.

“Firefighters remained on scene to support evacuated residents while the fire alarm system was reset at the property, and liaised with the housing provider to ensure residents were kept safe.

“Firefighters booked away from the incident at 2.36am.

Winkfield Court in Haywards Heath. Picture: Google Street ViewWinkfield Court in Haywards Heath. Picture: Google Street View
Winkfield Court in Haywards Heath. Picture: Google Street View
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“The initial actions of residents helped slow the spread of fire, but we would always urge people not to try and tackle a fire themselves due to the high risk of smoke inhalation and injury.

“The most important thing is to get out, stay out, and dial 999.

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately, and Sussex Police has been informed.”