Eight fire engines were sent to tackle a blaze on the 17th floor of a 24-storey tower block in Brighton this morning (Friday 14 July).
The fire was out within 35 minutes and two men were treated at the scene by paramedics after breathing in smoke.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that crews were sent to Sussex Heights at 9.05am from Preston Circus, Hove, Roedean, Lewes, Eastbourne, Newhaven and West Sussex, including the aerial ladder platform.
The first crews reached the scene in Cannon Place within six minutes at 9.11am, the fire service said, adding: “The fire was surrounded and extinguished by 9.38am with the incident then being scaled back to two appliances.
“The fire was tackled by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using high rise procedures, which included taking water from the building’s internal wet riser system, which is a fixed system that provides instant access to a water supply from within the building.
“Two men were treated at the scene by paramedics, after breathing in smoke, and the incident is now under investigation.”
Brighton and Hove borough commander Nigel Cusack praised the actions of the firefighting crews and colleagues from the police, ambulance and local authority for their swift and joined-up response.
He said: “We received excellent support from all partners involved and our full high rise procedures were immediately implemented, with a prompt and professional response which averted what could have otherwise developed into a more significant incident.
“Due to the fast intervention by firefighters this fire was contained in the flat, where the fire started.
“Crews were assisted by the fact that the fire doors prevented the spread of smoke to other parts of the block.
“Apart from the two adjacent flats, which were evacuated to assist firefighting operations, all other residents remained in their flats, as part of the stay put policy while firefighters continuously assessed conditions throughout the building.
Eek looks like a small fire in Sussex Heights in Brighton – I can hear fire engines, I hope everyone is ok pic.twitter.com/mqk0RNJl5O
— Seb Lee-Delisle (@seb_ly) July 14, 2017
“Firefighters are now carrying out home fire safety visits throughout the building to provide reassurance. Further information can be found on our website.
“This incident is a timely reminder to landlords to ensure that all tenants and residents are aware of the correct fire safety and evacuation procedures which should be adopted in the building.
“The incident also highlights the importance of a working domestic smoke alarm.”
Further advice about high rise resident can be found here.
