Fire crews have been working with experts to demolish a warehouse after a devastating blaze ripped through the building.

By mid afternoon yesterday, a quarter of the warehouse in Portslade was taken down and two fire engines were still at the scene to deal with the remaining pockets of hotspots.

Authorities advised residents to continue keeping their doors and windows closed. They confirmed they will still be at the scene into the weekend.

The inferno happened on Thursday shortly before 9am.

The fire ripped through Chandlers Building Supplies in Basin Road North, near Hove lagoon.

Firefighters were at the scene throughout the night and are working with Sussex Police to investigate the cause of the blaze.

Road closures in Kingsway were still in place yesterday.

City councillor Robert Nemeth, representing Wish ward, said he had been busy helping the fire service and police.

He assured residents there were no toxic fumes in the air.

Cllr Nemeth said: “My phone didn’t stop yesterday with questions and comments from residents in the vicinity and further afield.

“Many were keen to alert fellow residents about what was going on.

“Others, such as the team at the Gather Inn along Kingsway, helped by making tea for emergency staff.

“I work closely with Chandlers who have been huge supporters of the Friends of Hove Lagoon and our efforts to improve the attraction generally.

“We are glad that nobody has been hurt and obviously praise the efforts of the emergency services.”

He said Brighton and Hove City Council’s regulatory services team has carried out investigations to find out if building materials inside the warehouse have caused toxic fumes after many concerned residents contacted the council.

In an email seen by The Argus, regulatory service manager Nick Wilmot said: “The fire at Chandlers Builders Supplies yesterday involved building material such as wood, paint etc.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue advised that there were no materials that would produce toxic smoke involved.

“The structure of the building was modern with no asbestos material present.

“Residents were advised to stay indoors during the worst of the fire yesterday.

“The fire brigade are still on site because the building is so unstable. The fire crews have to take great care when cleaning out the hot spots.

“The fire brigade, police and council would like to thank local business and residents for their co-operation during the event.

“There is no ongoing air quality health risk or hazards from any ash or debris from the fire.

“In addition the Environment Agency have been working hard to stop any contaminated water getting into water courses or the sea.”

Witnesses believed the fire was started by sparks from a disc grinder.

The inferno started in

one warehouse which collapsed.

Strong winds meant the flames spread to two others.

The fire raged all day with ten fire crews in attendance at its peak.

Sussex Police cordoned off the area shortly after 9am.

Drivers were diverted to other routes and

lorries were forced to park and were unable to make deliveries.

The incident scaled down at 3.42pm yesterday, leaving five fire engines dealing with the remaining flames.

The incident triggered a social media frenzy with residents sharing photos and videos of the fire.

The Argus will continue to bring you more updates of the fire.