Firefighters battle storm while putting out fire on Bognor seafront

FIREFIGHTERS were called to major blaze on Bognor Regis seafront in the early hours of this morning.
Aftermath of a fire on Bognor Regis seafront. Picture: Sussex By AirAftermath of a fire on Bognor Regis seafront. Picture: Sussex By Air
Aftermath of a fire on Bognor Regis seafront. Picture: Sussex By Air

Crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, supported by colleagues from Hampshire, were called to a smell of smoke at 3.47am.

The first crew was on site at The Esplanade, close to Lennox Street by 3.55am.

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According to the fire service, 14 fire engines were called to deal with the fire and crews have been working in extremely difficult conditions due to Storm Angus, which hit the south today.

Although part of the building was derelict 30 people have been evacuated from adjoining flats.

Lead officer at the scene Adrian Murphy said: ‘This incident has taken place in the midst of a major storm and it was difficult to stand when we arrived on the seafront.

‘Our crews have worked hard for the last few hours with support from a number of other agencies.

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‘Our key priority now is to work with the displaced residents to get them safely home as soon as possible.’

One person was treated for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Anyone with any information should call 101, quoting Operation Haremoor.