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Friday 12th March
online time - 16 : 52
SERIOUS HOUSE FIRE IN WEST CHILTINGTON
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is currently tackling a blaze in the first floor and roof area of a large detached house in
Coolham Rd, West Chiltington.
The call was received from the owner of the house just after 3.30 pm this afternoon with fire crews from Storrington first to arrive on the scene. Ten appliances are now in attendance with crews from across the county tackling the blaze.
There are no reported injuries – the four occupants were able to leave the house unharmed before the arrival of the Fire Service.
The B2139 has been temporarily closed while the incident is ongoing.
12th March
22 : 00hrs UPDATE
HOUSE FIRE NEAR WEST CHILTINGTON - UPDATE
Firefighting operations are being scaled down at the scene of a serious house fire near West Chiltington.
Ten fire engines were mobilised shortly after 3:30pm to the detached house in Coolham Rd. The owner and three other adult occupiers had managed to escape safely prior to the arrival of firefighters from nearby Storrington, and thankfully there are no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have broken out in an area on the ground floor close to the main electrical intake, before spreading rapidly to involve the whole of the first floor and roof space.
When firefighters arrived, smoke was pouring from the roof and flames shooting from windows at the front and back of the property. Teams of breathing apparatus wearers entered the house but faced a severe fire with intense heat as they made their way up the stairs. The fire was knocked down but teams were then forced to withdraw as the ceilings began to collapse.
Crews then commenced defensive firefighting operations and salvaged valuables and personal belongings for the owner.
A specialist water carrier has been used to supply a temporary dam and give a constant water supply for firefighting.
The fire is out although there remains a number of 'hotspots' in voids with difficult access and crews are expected to remain in attendance overnight.
EDF energy has isolated the electrical supply, and the B2139 remains closed at Dukes Hill between Thakeham and West Chiltington Rd. A Building Control Officer from Horsham District Council has also attended to advise on the stability of the premises.
END
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WEATHER WARNINGS
Met Office
Issued at: 1121 Tue 19 Jan
London & South East England
W Sussex
Hampshire
Surrey
Heavy Snow Wed 20 Jan
There is a moderate risk of severe weather affecting parts of England and Wales on Wednesday.
Outbreaks of rain are expected to turn increasingly to sleet or wet snow, with accumulations of 1 to 3cm in places, and locally 4 to 7cm. Over southeast Wales, there is a risk of up to 10cm of snow on ground over 200m.
This may lead to some disruption to travel.
Tuesday 05 January 2010
report 10:27 am
online 10:32 am
SHARP RISE IN CHIMNEY FIRES SPARKS WARNING FROM FIREFIGHTERS
USERS of open fires and wood burners are being warned about the dangers of chimney fires by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
The warning follows a sharp rise in the number of chimney fires attended by firefighters across the county over the last few days.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "As the cold weather continues to bite, open fires are a cosy way to keep out the winter chill. But they can become a serious safety hazard if simple guidelines are not followed."
Community Fire Safety Officer Jackie Boyle said: "Chimney fires are one of the most common incidents we attend. Many properties have lost the roof, first floor or in some cases been completely destroyed.
"It is very important that anyone planning to light their fire gets their chimney checked and swept. The consequence of a chimney fire isn’t just the damage caused by the fire, there’s the dirt and smell from the soot and smoke, which can affect all of your personal property."
The Fire and Rescue Service’s chimney safety advice is:
Have your chimney swept at least once a year – and at least twice a year if you burn wood.
When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only.
Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
Do not overload the grate or appliance.
Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.
Inspect your chimneybreast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
Ensure wood burners are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm – early detection can save lives.
To find out the contact for your local chimney sweep,
contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on free phone 0800 833464.
More on chimney fires - incident reports - Fire service index
Wednesday 6 January
TAKE CARE USING CANDLES URGE WEST SUSSEX FIRE SERVICE
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is urging extra caution for anyone using candles during power cuts over the next few days.
With parts of West Sussex experiencing power outages during the extreme weather conditions, there has been an increase in people using candles and portable heating devices in their homes but they should be aware of the dangers and the damage they can cause.
Community Fire Safety Officer, Jackie Boyle says; “We would like to remind everyone that candles should be treated the same as you would any other naked flame – with care. Understandably in a power cut, people will use candles but many of them are unaware of the dangers of using them, particularly late at night. We urge you to follow our simple safety advice and make sure you have a working smoke alarm.”
Simple tips to keep you and your family safe from the threat of fire:
Keep torches handy in case of a power cut. They are much safer than candles.
ALWAYS put candles on a heat resistant surface especially tea lights
Make sure they are held firmly upright and in holders so they do not fall lover
DO NOT put candles near curtains, fabrics or furniture and keep them out of draughts
NEVER put them under shelves
Keep clothes and hair away from all naked flames
NEVER leave candles within reach of children or pets
ALWAYS leave at least 4 inches between two candles
Extinguish candles before moving them
DON’T leave candles burning when leaving a room
NEVER go to sleep with candles still burning
ALWAYS ensure you put them out with a snuffer and always double check they are not smouldering
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES - CHECK YOURS TODAY
Date Added: 8th January
Press Officer: Sarah Smith
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, in addition to providing their normal emergency service, have been out and about in West Sussex helping to support the well-being of the more vulnerable members of the community.
Firefighters from Chichester and Haywards Heath have been rolling up their sleeves and brandishing their shovels at local hospitals - St. Richards and the Princess Royal – helping to clear essential pathways for patients and visitors.
Fighfighters in Haywards Heath have also been assisting the local WRVS to maintain its Meals On Wheels service, transporting workers in Fire Service Super ‘G’ 4x4s at the same time taking the opportunity to offer fire safety advice to residents in their homes during the extreme weather.
The Fire Service’s Technical Rescue Unit, have also been out and about – after localised power cuts in Lancing, members of the TRU have been door knocking in the local area, again offering informal home fire safety advice and fitting smoke alarms where needed.
WSF&RS are also urging walkers to avoid icy ponds and waterways and keep close control over their pets after a dog fell through the ice into Mill Pond in Crawley yesterday.
Date Added: 11th January
Press Officer: Sarah Lander
Water Pipes - Burst pipe? Call a plumber not 999, says West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to call a plumber rather than the emergency services if their water pipes burst during the icy weather conditions. With further snowfall expected in parts of the county, WSF&RS has today issued a reminder that emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance services should be made in genuine emergency situations only.
Inconvenience and damage as a result of burst pipes is a real possibility, as icy winds force temperatures lower. When pipes do burst, residents are urged to call a plumber or tradesman rather than the emergency services - providing their life is not in danger. But if electrical appliances are involved and the situation is at all risky, the advice is to call 999.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire & Road Safety Officer at West Sussex Fire and Rescue, said:
"The challenging weather conditions are placing extra demands upon all of the emergency services and people can do their bit to help us, and their own communities, by dialling 999 only in a genuine emergency.
Burst pipes happen when freezing temperatures cause the ground in which the water mains are buried to move, putting pressure on the pipes and fracturing them. It’s crucial that people know where their stopcock is, and that they try it to make sure it hasn’t seized up. You should find this under the kitchen sink, or where the service pipe enters your home. If a pipe bursts, turn off the stopcock and central heating boiler and call a plumber.
Inevitably, problems will also occur when the thaw begins so we urge people to make regular checks on their home when temperatures start to rise again. That way any leaks can be spotted early and stopped, as frozen water in undetected burst pipes starts to thaw. Prevention is far better than cure though, and taking just a few simple steps will significantly reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes within the home. Consider looking up the contact numbers of plumbers and electricricians so you have them available in an emergency".
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers the following advice to keep your home's water supply running smoothly and help prevent your pipes from freezing:
Lag pipes in exposed or draughty places
Make sure that all taps are turned off properly, especially last thing at night
Become familiar with your water supply system now and find the main stopcock that turns off the water supply to your property
We don't want to deter people from dialling 999 if they feel there is a risk to life as a result of flooding water damaging electrics. But they ought to be aware of where their own fuse box is, so they can make themselves safe by shutting off the electrical power supply, added Jackie
Local Fire Service index
ARCHIVED AWAITING DPO
Date Added: 29th December 2009 08:30 am
LOSS OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO AREA SOUTH OF A272 & MIDHURST
Midhurst and Petworth Fire Brigades were called to Selham at 8.35 am today when reports were received of an electricity pole and transformer in Selham Lane being on fire.
Both the transformer and pole were destroyed in the blaze.
Power supplies to the area were disrupted for some time after the supply was isolated by Southern Electric for repairs and replacement.
view fire brigade report
ARCHIVED AWAITING DPO
Date Added: 6th October 2009 08:30 am
FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN BOGNOR
An elderly female has been found dead at a house fire in Bognor. The Fire & Rescue Service was called to a semi-detached house in the Hawthorn Road area of Bognor shortly after 7pm last night [Monday 5/10/09]. The fire was confined to just one room and is believed to have happened sometime in the previous two days before burning itself out.
The next-of-kin have not yet been informed, and further details may be released once this has taken place.
UPDATE ON FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN BOGNOR - 6th October 1pm
The victim of a fatal house fire in Bognor has now been confirmed as a 97 year old female. She was discovered by a friend who had called to check on her welfare shortly before 7pm on Monday 5th October.
Emergency services were then called to semi-detached house in Gravitts Lane, Bognor and found her in a smoke-damaged ground floor room at the rear of the property. The fire is believed to have happened in the previous 24 hours and then burnt itself out.
There are no suspicious circumstances, and the death appears to be a tragic accident.
The house was fitted with two working smoke alarms correctly fitted in the hallway and first floor landing, but the fire was contained to just the room where the casualty was found with the door closed.
Initial reports from Fire Investigation Officers suggest the fire made have been started by a candle.
The lady will not formally be identified until tomorrow (Wednesday 7th).
Fire service incident reports - Fire service index page
ARCHIVED AWAITING DPO
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FIREFIGHTERS WANT TO MAKE YOU SAFE IN BED!
FREE electric blanket tests are being held in October by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire and Road Safety Officer, said: “Every year there are approximately 1000 fires caused by faulty electric blankets. Around 20 people are killed and 250 injured.
“So, don't take a chance this winter – get your blanket tested. We’ll do it for free.
“Last year in West Sussex 39 blankets out of 629 were found to be dangerous and 35 per cent failed due to other faults.
"Inspections of electric blankets are recommended every three years. But you should also regularly check it yourself for signs of wear and tear, scorch marks, loose connections or any damage to the flex.”
Always buy new, never second-hand blankets, and always follow the manufacturers instructions, said Jackie.
“Do not use the blanket when it has been folded or becomes creased. Don't use a hot water bottle at the same time and never touch the blanket with wet hands or feet, or use the blanket if it's wet or damp,” she said.
Jackie is also warning people to take care when using heated Wheat Bags, which can be warmed in the microwave and used in a similar way to hot water bottles.
"Wheat bags are a good way of keeping warm. But they can be very dangerous if used incorrectly.
“We urge people to always follow manufacturers instructions and ensure these bags are not heated for too long in the microwave. Once they have become overheated, they can start a rapid smouldering process and can reach extremely high temperatures.
“They have been known to cause serious injuries so you should always follow manufacturers instructions when heating and using them, and regularly check them for scorch marks and signs of wear and tear."
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Our firefighters want everyone in West Sussex to sleep safely this winter.
“But we cannot afford to be complacent where electrical safety is concerned. To ensure a warm and safe winter, I would urge all electric blanket users to take advantage of this free service.”
Tests are taking place between 9.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm at:
Bognor Regis Fire Station, West Meads Drive, – Tuesday October 6
Chichester: St Paul ’s Church, Churchside – Monday October 5
Crawley Fire Station, Ifield Avenue – Thursday October 15
East Grinstead Fire Station, London Road – Monday October 12
East Preston Fire Station, North Lane - Wednesday October 7
Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road – Friday October 16
Horsham: Lavinia House, Dukes Square, Denne Road – Wednesday October 14
Midhurst Fire Station, New Road, - Thursday October 8
Shoreham Community Fire Station, Stoney Lane – Tuesday October 13
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road – Friday October 9
To book an appointment please call 01243 642124. All venues have disabled access.
Fire service incident reports - Fire service index page - - Midhurst index
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ARCHIVED AWAITING DPO
MIDHURST BOMB SCARE
Tuesday 14 July 2009
report 10:22 am
online 10:26 am
Reports are coming of a bomb scare at Midhurst Police Station.
Parts of the town have been cordoned off and nearby premises evacuated.
6 fire appliances in attendance
ongoing
update 2pm all roads open - Fire service stood down
updated Fire Brigade report
Time: 10:16-13:18
Location: MIDHURST POLICE STATION - BEPTON ROAD, MIDHURST
Incident: A canister was delivered through the letterbox of Midhurst police station - as a precautionary measure WSF&RS were called and area cordoned off - canister was examined by police and WSF&RS and deemed non hazardous.
Fire service incident reports - Fire service index page - - Police index - - Midhurst index
ARCHIVED AWAITING DPO
20 Feb 2009
LARGE FIRE AT UPPARK, SOUTH HARTING
Control Operators and firefighters have been kept busy overnight with a large fire at South Harting.
The fire occurred near South Harting during the early evening on Friday (20/2/09) when a call was received at 6:19pm to outbuildings alight on B2146 between Harting and Compton.
Fire crews from Midhurst and Petersfield (Hants FRS) were mobilised and when they arrived they immediately requested 'make pumps 6' due to the severity of the fire and reports that the buildings contained farm machinery, vehicles and gas cylinders. Support crews came from across Hampshire and West Sussex .
There were initial reports that at least one person was still inside but after confirming everyone was out, the fire was fought defensively from the outside as some of the buildings were thought to be in danger of collapse.
Ground monitors were used and a water shuttle was set up using purpose built water carriers. A number of cylinders (including acetylene) were removed but others were involved in fire so cooling operations were set up and a 200m cordon established.
The Incident has been scaled down but remains ongoing as acetylene cylinders have to be cooled for up to 24hrs due to their volatility.
Initial reports suggest the fire started accidentally when maintenance was being carried out on a vehicle.
read Incident report here
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