At 17:17hrs on 1st March 2009, East Sussex Fire Service received a call from a member of the public alerting them to a fire on Rye Harbour Road, Rye.

Upon arrival, two crews from Rye community fire station confirmed that the fire was in the open and adjacent to a metal storage unit used by Renegade Fireworks. On receipt of this message, the Mobilising & Communications Centre mobilised two additional appliances and command team officers to the scene.

Renegade Fireworks is a Trading Standards licensed site and stores commercial and domestic fireworks. An evacuation took place to ensure the safety of the public and emergency services personnel.

No injuries were reported but a 600m exclusion zone will remain in place until 23:00hrs on 2nd March 2009 to further ensure the continued safety of the public.

Safety advice has been given to householders and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is now working with Sussex Police to investigate the cause of the incident and to ensure public safety is maintained.