Fire caused major damage to a factory unit on the Lancing industrial estate last night [Saturday 9th July].
 
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night and fire investigation officers are now examining the remains of the fire damaged premises to establish how the fire started.
 
The factory, which is believed to be used to make furniture, was unoccupied at the time and there are no reports of any injuries.
 
The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Command and Mobilising Centre received over 30 calls to the factory unit in St Peters Rd, Lancing after the fire was reported at 7.44pm. Two crews from Lancing and Worthing arrived just a few minutes later to find smoke and flames pouring from the rear of the factory and out through the roof. Sections of the corrugated roof were also shattering in the heat and flying into the air scattering debris on the adjacent ground.
 
A further six fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform [ALP] were requested and teams of breathing apparatus wearers initially entered the factory before they were withdrawn for safety reasons. The fire had already spread to involve the whole of the factory area and a large gable-end wall was leaning inwards and showing signs of collapse.
 
Firefighting operations then concentrated on preserving the offices at the front of the premises using ground monitors and a water jet from above using the ALP.
 
The fire was brought under control and the fire service attendance was scaled down to extinguish hotspots and maintain a watching brief overnight.
 
A 'STOP' message was sent at 10.43am today which described the building as being an industrial unit and offices measuring 15m x 35m, 80% destroyed by fire; extinguished by 6 jets and ALP monitor, 2 hosereels and compressed air foam. Two hydrants were used as well as 20 breathing apparatus wearers.
 
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the firefighters who attended want to record their thanks to volunteers from the Red Cross Fire Emergency Support Service who provided refreshment and welfare facilities for them at the scene.