A “significant amount of smoke” has been spotted in Sharpthorne near East Grinstead after a derelict property fire began on Monday morning (June 19). The fire, which was reported at 5.15am on Plawhatch Lane, has seen a number of fire crews called to the scene, with the road closed in both directions.
The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that the building has been “well alight” with a heavy amount of smoke in the area. The local community have been urged to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed.
Among the fire crews at the scene are engines from Crawley, Turners Hill, Haywards Heath, Horsham and East Grinstead. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are also attending the incident.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: “We were called at 5.15am this morning to reports of a fire involving a derelict property off Plawhatch Lane near Sharpthorne. Joint Fire Control mobilised fire engines from Crawley, Turners Hill, Haywards Heath, Horsham. East Grinstead and crews from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to the scene.
“Upon arrival they found the building well alight, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire using three main jets, fognails and a hydrant. There is a significant amount of smoke coming from the fire, and residents living nearby are urged to keep their doors and windows closed while this incident is ongoing. We would also ask that drivers avoid the area to allow crews to work safely.”
Follow our live blog below for live updates on this breaking incident.
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10:31Jasmine Carey
Welcome to this live blog
Welcome to our live blog this morning where we will be bringing you all the latest updates on the fire near Sharpthorne. The fire is affecting a derelict building and is producing a lot of smoke, with locals being urged to close windows and doors.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates on this serious fire as we have them.