Fire at Newhaven warehouse (From The Argus)

Fire at Newhaven warehouse

8:09am Tuesday 24th July 2012 in News

A fire broke out at a warehouse in Newhaven last night, lighting up the skyline "like a volcano".

Firefighters were called to the building on the North Quay just after midnight following reports of a blaze.

On arrival they discovered a large pile of rubbish on fire that was spreading towards the building.

Crews from across the county were called in to tackle the blaze throughout the night.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue service said this morning the fire was under control but crews were likely to stay at the scene for some time.

The building belonged to Sussex Skips. Sussex Police were called to help with road controls while the incident was being dealt with.

Carrie Higgs sent in several dramatic pictures of the fire. She told The Argus: "I was suprised to see the hoses weren't doing much good to the fire and it looked like they were just wetting the front of the building instead of attempting to put the fire out, which was completely spread out on the inside.

"The air had what looked like black strings falling and people were complaining of a horrible sting and itch on their face which to me sounded like asbestos.

"There were cars stopping on and around the bridge and nobody to stop people from becoming close to the fire, which is worrying if these fumes had asbestos fibres in them."

Lisa King sent in a picture to The Argus last night as the blaze was at its height. She said: "It is as though a volcano is going off in the centre of our town. 1:34am and it seems to just be getting worse."

Drivers are warned they may face some disruption this morning.

Sergeant Dave Tye from East Sussex CID said: "The cause of the fire is yet unknown and we will continue to work alongside our colleagues at East Sussex Fire and Rescue who are continuing with their forensic examinations at the scene today .

"If you heard or saw any suspicious activity yesterday evening please call 101."