Bonfire destroys storage building and undergrowth

Firefighters from East Preston and Littlehampton attended the blaze near Oval Raceway in Water Lane, Angmering at 3.08am.

A reignited bonfire had set alight the 5m by 3m storage building and undergrowth. A car also sustained heat damage.

Three small compressed gas cylinders were removed from the fire area and cooled. Two hose reels were used to extinguish the flames.

The incident was resolved at 5.14am.

Following the incident, the fire service has issued guidance:

If you are going to have a bonfire it’s really important that you take the right precautions to protect yourself, your property and the environment.

If a bonfire is not properly controlled there is a real risk that is can spread to fences, sheds, hedges and even people’s homes, putting lives in danger.

Let your neighbours know you are planning to have a bonfire or they may end up dialling 999.

Build your bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees.

Avoid having a bonfire in windy conditions – it increases the likelihood of the fire spreading out of control.

Don’t build it too big, and make sure it is stable.

Don’t burn aerosols, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint – they can produce toxic fumes or explode.

Don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it can get out of control quickly.

Don’t leave your bonfire unattended or leave it smoulder when you have finished – make sure it is fully extinguished.

If a bonfire does get out of control – don’t risk injury by tackling it yourself – call 999.

For more information on recycling your garden waste, log onto www.recycleforwestsussex.org and for further fire safety advice call the Community Fire Safety team on 0845 872 9719.

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