'˜Amazing' Selsey community praised following huge school fire

The watch commander at Selsey Fire Station has heaped praise on what he called the '˜amazing' local community who rallied as firefighters battled a devastating blaze at Selsey Academy.
The fire has destroyed more than 75 per cent of the building. Picture by Eddie MitchellThe fire has destroyed more than 75 per cent of the building. Picture by Eddie Mitchell
The fire has destroyed more than 75 per cent of the building. Picture by Eddie Mitchell

A team of Selsey mums are said to have provided hot dogs and burgers to the 70 firefighters tackling the fire for most of Sunday.

The Selsey Scouts opened up their facilities as a headquarters for the fire service, and a team of volunteers provided food and drink for them throughout the day as the community rallied.

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The Southern Co-Operative in Selsey is said to have also donated food.

Posting a message on a Facebook page yesterday, Paul Smith, watch commander at Selsey Fire Station, said: “I am the officer in charge of Selsey Fire Station.

“After the devastating fire which took place today at The Academy, I would just like to say on behalf of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service how extremely proud and grateful we are to the amazing Selsey community who rallied around and gave up their time to provide food, drinks and kindness to us today.

“Thank you to you all.”

The message was posted on the popular Selsey - News & Gossip Facebook page, with a West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson confirming it had come from watch commander Smith.

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The devastating fire is said to have destroyed more than three quarters of the entire school.

Though some buildings were saved they are badly damaged by smoke.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Posting on the Observer Facebook page, Lisa Lyon Was Skidmore added: “Thank you to the team of mums for feeding the firemen lunch, the Southern Coop for donating food, and to the team at screen on the green for feeding the firemen hot burgers, hot dogs and various other delights from the catering a true community spirit pulling together.”

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