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A serious house fire near Bognor was tackled by firefighters from at least eight locations yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 10).
Crews were called to Sea Lane in Middleton-On-Sea, east of Bognor, where they spent the afternoon dealing with a major blaze on the roof of a thatched cottage.
⚠️ We are currently dealing with a thatched roof fire at Sea Lane, Middleton-on-sea.
— West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (@WestSussexFire) August 10, 2021
Crews from @LittlehamptonFS, @BognorFire, @ChichesterFire, @WorthingFire and @ShorehamFire are currently on scene.
Please avoid the area and if you live nearby, keep doors and windows closed.
Firefighters from Littlehampton, Bognor, Chichester, Worthing and Shoreham initially attended, and were later joined by crews from Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Petworth.
An aerial ladder platform was also brought to the scene where it was used to tackle the fire, along with jets, hose reels, hydrants and a compressed air foam system.
UPDATE: West Sussex Fire and Rescue confirmed this morning (August 11) that the cause of the flames was accidental.
Further inspections were due to take place earlier this morning, and at mid-day today.
Crews remained overnight at the scene, damping down, detecting and tackling new hot-spots, and protecting adjoining properties.