Overview
- Emergency crews were alerted at 4:55pm on March 12 to a blaze in a derelict property on Ashburnham Road in Eastbourne.
- Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform tackled flames in the first floor and roof, using breathing apparatus, a main jet and firefighting foam.
- Strong winds complicated containment, with crews protecting neighbouring buildings and residents told to keep doors and windows shut.
- The structure was left severely damaged with a continuing risk of partial collapse, and police kept surrounding roads closed for safety.
- Firefighters damped down hotspots overnight and reinspected at 6am as Sussex Police opened an inquiry and appealed for witnesses or footage via 101 quoting serial 1072 of 12/03.