[29 October 2007]

Fire in Five Storey Flat in Brighton

Firefighters from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were confronted with a serious incident when they arrived at a fire in a five storey flat in Clarendon Terrace, Kemptown, Brighton on Wednesday 24th October.

The Service Mobilising and Communication Centre received the first emergency call at 2224 and fire appliances from Preston Circus, Roedean and Hove were immediately dispatched to the scene where smoke had been reported as coming from the building.

The fire, which was in a fourth floor flat, was attended by 35 firefighters, and brought under control using an Aerial Ladder Platform, three firefighting jets and 12 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.

In this instance incense sticks that had been left burning unattended were the cause of the fire. Tony Gurr, Incident Commander, commented, " It was the smoke alarms at this incident that alerted the residents to the fire. Smoke alarms save lives and on this occasion the consequences could have been far more serious if there had not been smoke alarms fitted. People who burn candles and incense should take extra care in their homes to ensure that they have smoke alarms fitted and that they are tested regularly."

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service advises not to leave any burning items such as candles, incense sticks, or cigarettes unattended and to make sure that they are put out completely before being thrown away or left alone. For more information on home safety please contact the Community Safety team on 0800 1777069.