Fire service issues full statement after half of Southbourne home destroyed in blaze

Numerous fire crews across West Sussex and Hampshire were scrambled to the blaze in Breach Avenue, Southbourne, which destroyed the first floor and roof of the property.

Fire officers returned to Breach Avenue the following morning to reinspect the site.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from West Sussex FRS, together with colleagues from Hampshire FRS, worked through the night on Saturday after a fire broke out in a detached residential property on Breach Avenue in Westbourne.

“Fire engines from Chichester, Emsworth, Havant, Cosham, Horndean and Waterlooville were mobilised to the scene after the call came in at 8.33pm, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform from Worthing and the Water Carrier from Petworth.

“Relief crews from East Preston and Selsey were brought in at 11.45pm. Residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed as there was a considerable amount of smoke in the area, and the road was closed due to the high number of appliances in attendance.

“The fire affected the first floor and roof of the building. Crews used three jets and covering jets to extinguish the fire, with the Aerial Ladder Platform used as a water tower.

“The first floor and roof were both completely destroyed by fire.

“The incident was closed at 5.46am, with officers returning to the scene at 9am to reinspect.”