Firefighters based in both West Sussex and East Sussex successfully controlled a fire that began on Boxing Day afternoon just outside a takeaway in Shoreham.
Burning was discovered in an external ducting system close to commercial premises in Upper Shoreham Road, part of a terrace of shops with living accommodation above them.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) said their crews were called at 3.32pm on Boxing Day, leading to teams from Shoreham, Worthing and fire stations in East Sussex attending.
A spokesperson from WSFRS said:
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to deal with the fire, while firefighters also tackled the fire from outside the building to prevent the fire spreading into the roof.
"Due to the quick actions of the initial crews, the fire was prevented from entering the roof space and didn't affect the flat above."
“The cause of the fire was deemed to be accidental."
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
- The scene in Upper Shoreham Road (Photo: © Eddie Mitchell)
The service added that firefighters will return to the scene today (Wednesday) to carry out community fire safety work with neighbouring properties .
They are also expected to provide safety advice and guidance.