9th June 2008

Fatal Fire in Eastbourne

On 10th June 2008, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Mobilising & Communication Centre received an emergency call stating that there was a serious fire in a domestic property in Malborough Court, Southfield Road in Eastbourne. The call came in at 18:04 and fire crews from Eastbourne, Pevensey and Hailsham community fire stations were immediately despatched to the scene.

Upon arrival at the incident fire crews wearing specialist breathing apparatus entered a second floor flat to undertake search and rescue operations, and tackle the blaze using a hose reel jet.

Unfortunately one female occupant died as a result of the fire. Neal Robinson, the Fire Investigation Officer commented, "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the lady who tragically lost her life in this fire. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service continues to work with Sussex Police and Forensic Scientists to investigate the incident. The fire is not being treated as suspicious."

In this instance smoke detectors fitted in the property raised the alarm. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can offer free smoke alarms to homes and business in East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove. For further information please contact East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Community Safety Team on 0800 1777069.