Firefighters from Brighton were called out to help tackle a blazing barn last night (Saturday 6 November).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said that a crew from Roedean joined others from Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford in Beddingham Road, Tarring Neville.
The call-out came at about 10.45pm and the smoke from the fire led Sussex Police to close the A26 temporarily because it was hard for drivers to see where they were going.
The fire service said: “At 10.45pm on Saturday 6 November, we were called to attend a barn fire in Beddingham Road, Tarring Neville.
“Four appliances from Newhaven, Seaford, Lewes and Roedean initially attended.
“Sussex Police closed the A26 due to smoke causing visibility issues.
“There were no injuries to humans or livestock.
“We have now left the scene and the incident has been handed over to the landowner.
“A controlled burn is now taking place and we will be sending an appliance over to ensure that this is happening safely.
“A fire investigation will take place once the controlled burn has been completed.”
Police and the fire service are investigating the blaze and three other barn and hay bale fires on farms in Beddingham, Alfriston and Litlington since Tuesday (2 November).
Sussex Police said: “The fires have been deliberately set by suspects targeting roadside barns and hay bale stocks.
“Local neighbourhood response officers are working with both the police Rural Crime Team and the fire service.”
Sergeant Jon Attfield, from the Rural Crime Team, said: “This is a highly destructive crime that impacts our farming community and livestock supplies. Both we and Fire and Rescue are investigating and actively working on lines of enquiry relating to suspects and vehicles seen in the areas of the fires.
“Rural Crime Team officers are also visiting local farms to discuss these disturbing incidents, and we have dedicated patrols in place, working with other policing resources.”
Sussex Police added: “Anyone with information is asked to contact the police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 244 of 07/11.”
