Nearly one hundred firefighters from West Sussex and Hampshire have been tackling a large fire at a former convent in Hunston, near Chichester tonight.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were called to the site of the Carmelite Convent at 8:10pm on Sunday 28th June when fire was spotted coming from the roof. A fire crew from Chichester had just been dealing with another incident nearby and they arrived on scene in just two minutes.
 
They found a rapidly developing fire in the Chapel and requested the number of fire engines attending was increased to 10, plus an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) for tackling the blaze from above using a water monitor. This was increased to 'make pumps 15' a short time later and a second ALP.
 
Debris was falling from the roof of the Chapel and firefighting had to be carried out from the safety of doorways as efforts were concentrated on trying to stop the fire spreading into the main part of the 30m x 30m building.
 
A Water Carrier was used to provide water for firefighting, and water was also pumped from nearby lakes.
 
A total of 44 firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the fire from inside and create a firebreak, stopping it spreading to the main accommodation block by using 6 jets and monitors.
 
The premises are not derelict, but have not been occupied for approximately one year. There are no reports of any injuries to members of the public, although one firefighter was treated for possible heat exhaustion.
 
The fire is under control and the Incident is now being scaled down. Relief crews will be in attendance throughout the night, cutting away some of the debris and damping down any hotspots.
 
Red Cross volunteers from their Fire & Emergency Support Service attended to provide welfare facilities to the firefighters.
 
The main B2145 is closed between the A27 Whyke roundabout and Hunston, with diversions being set up by Police. It is likely to be closed until mid-morning due to the number of fire engines and firefighting operations.
 
The cause of the fire is under investigation but arson has not been ruled out. A more detailed investigation will begin at first light together with Police Scene of Crimes Officers and Hattie - the West Sussex Fire Investigation dog specially trained to sniff out any inflammable liquids that may have been used to start the fire.