Eastbourne school closed after fire causes 'significant damage'
A school in Eastbourne has temporarily closed after a fire caused ‘significant damage’ to part of the building on Wednesday morning (September 9).
The Lindfield School, part of The Southfield Trust, is a special education secondary school in Hampden Park.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) said crews were called at 10.15am on Wednesday to attend an incident at the school premises.
A spokesperson for ESFRS said: “Three fire engines from Eastbourne and Pevensey were called to attend a fire in an ICT room.
“The school was fully evacuated prior to arrival of the fire service, all persons were accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.
“Crews used two breathing apparatus and one hosereel jet to put the fire out.
“A positive pressure ventilation fan was also used for smoke clearance.
“Crews left the scene by 12.38pm.”
CEO of The Southfield Trust Kirsty Eydmann confirmed all students and staff were evacuated safely ‘thanks to the swift and coordinated response of the school team’.
She said: “Emergency services attended promptly, and the situation was brought under control without injury.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to all staff for their professionalism and care during the incident — in particular Nick Upton, Head Teacher, whose calm leadership and compassionate handling of the situation ensured the safety and reassurance of everyone on site.”
Ms Eydmann said the school aims to reopen on Monday (September 14) but said it will only do so ‘as soon as it is safe to do so, following a full health & safety assessment’.