Thakeham blaze started accidentally say fire service

Firefighters were called to the blaze involving a property in Linfield Copse in Thakeham on Tuesday morning, March 16.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “Joint Fire Control was alerted at 11.26am and mobilised crews from Billingshurst, Storrington and two from Worthing to the scene along with the Aerial Ladder Platform from Horsham.

“The fire broke out in the first floor of the property and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus tackled the fire using two high pressure hose reels and a hydrant.”

All residents were accounted for, and people living nearby were urged to keep their doors and windows closed while the fire was extinguished, he added. The fire caused between 11 and 20sqm of damage, but is believed to have started accidentally.

The spokesman said: “Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of this fire.

“Firefighters remained on scene and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further signs of fire.

“They then visited neighbouring properties in the area to carry out prevention work to ensure all residents had working smoke alarms fitted and provided advice to any without.

“The last crew booked away from the incident at 2.22pm.”