Six escape flat fire in Bognor Regis

Passers-by called West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service after spotting smoke pouring from windows above Tesco Express in Aldwick Rd, Bognor shortly after 7am yesterday (Saturday, May 3).

The fire had started in a lounge but quickly filled the rest of the property with smoke and all six people inside suffered smoke inhalation as they made their escape.

All of them were outside before firefighters arrived, and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire with hosereels before clearing the smoke with a positive pressure ventilation fan.

An investigation has begun into the cause of the fire but at this stage the possibility of it being started accidentally by children playing with matches or a lighter hasn't been ruled out.

The occupiers rent the maisonette from a private landlord and head of community fire and road safety Roger Wood said the fire had highlighted a number of important fire safety concerns.

"The lack of a working smoke alarm clearly allowed the fire to spread before the occupiers realised the danger they were in, and we've become increasingly concerned about the number of fires we're attending in rented accommodation where the landlord hasn't fitted smoke alarms.

"Anyone can fit smoke alarms and they cost as little a 5 each, but we would particularly appeal to landlords and letting agents to make sure their tenants are safe by fitting all their properties with them.

"We don't want anyone dying in West Sussex through the lack of a 5 smoke alarm."

Mr Wood also urged parents to make sure matches and lighters are kept well out of the reach of young children, but said firefighters in West Sussex can help.

"If anyone has concerns about a child experimenting with fire or playing with matches please call us on 01243 786211.

"We don't blame or point the finger at anybody, it's free, and could prevent a tragedy."