FIREFIGHTERS NAMED

They were Brian Wembridge, 63, a support worker. He was a retired firefighter who had been employed in another role, which including taking photographs at fire scenes.

The retained firefighter who died was Geoff Wicker from Heathfield, aged 49. His full-time job is believed to have been in the fire and rescue service's control room.

Flowers have been placed outside the fire station at Heathfield, which stands at the end of the main street.

They seem to have been caught in a second explosion at the Festival Fireworks factory.

Robots are being used at the scene of the fire to search for acetylene tanks.

The bomb squad has been called in and their robotic equipment is being used to search the site.

The area could be cordoned off for another 24 hours.

Nine other members of the fire service have been injured, plus two members of the public and one police officer. Some have been released from hospital.

Two loud explosions were heard across a wide area of East Sussex.

The first explosion came just before 2pm from the warehouse at The Broyle, between Ringmer and Halland. A second explosion was heard about 2.30pm.It is this second explosion which is believed to have caused the deaths and injuries.

Staff were working at the warehouse at the time and they have all escaped injury.

A mushroom cloud of smoke was seen over a wide area.

Police declared a major incident and are keeping people a considerable distance away from the factory.

After the second explosion, emergency services withdrew from the scene. The warehouse and surrounding buildings have been devastated.

Fireworks continued to go off into the night sky as the blaze was allowed to burn itself out.

Festival Fireworks is believed to have been established for around 20 years.

The blaze is about a couple of mile from the Raystede animal sanctuary.

Some people have been moved from their homes. The local authorities have helped to find those affected alternative accommodation.

Causalities were taken to hospital in Brighton and Eastbourne.

Have you any pictures of the fire?

Did you see what happened after the explosions.

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