A large fire has broken out in an industrial estate in Lancing this afternoon (5).
More Radio listeners have called in reporting plumes of black smoke coming from the area, thought to be Lancing Business Park.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said they were called to reports of a fire involving scrap metal at an industrial area off Chartwell Road, at around 1.35pm
One listener reported that there was an explosion.
The whole of the one way system is reportedly closed.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said:
“We were called to reports of a fire involving scrap metal at an industrial area off Chartwells Road in Lancing at 1.35pm today (5 June 2020).
“Joint Fire Control has mobilised eight fire engines and the Aerial Ladder Platform to the scene and firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control.
“Officers from Sussex Police are also in attendance and have closed some of the surrounding roads to allow us to combat the fire in a safe manner.
“Drivers are urged to avoid the area for the time being, and anyone living nearby should keep their windows and doors closed.”
At 3pm, A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said:
“We received 65 999 emergency calls to this incident, and mobilised fire engines from Lancing, Worthing, Shoreham, East Preston and Arundel, along with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service appliances from Brighton and Hove.
"The Aerial Ladder Platform from Brighton is also at the scene, along with the Command Support Unit from Haywards Heath.
“Our Technical Rescue Unit are providing crews on the ground with images from the service drone which is in operation above the scene of the fire.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using compressed air foam from the Aerial Ladder Platform to tackle the fire, as well as four jets, and two hydrants.
“Sussex Police have closed a number of roads surrounding the industrial estate, and there is a 50 metre cordon in place.
"The fire is not affecting the nearby railway line, but services will run at a reduced speed due to the level of smoke in the area.”
Updates as we get them...
⚠️
We are dealing with a large fire in an industrial area off Chartwell Road in Lancing.
We have eight fire engines and the aerial ladder platform in attendance.
Please avoid the area for the time being, and if you live nearby please keep your windows and doors closed.
⚠️— West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) June 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/zoeimbimbo/status/1268890800563380225?s=21
Serious Fire Lancing @WestSussexFire at scene pic.twitter.com/cj34ThiHNK
— eddie mitchell (@brightonsnapper) June 5, 2020
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