Shoreham fire: Cause of West Street incident sparks warning

Crews were called to West Street in Shoreham over the blaze which started in a first floor bathroom.

The Argus reported how one brave neighbour went into the property to rescue someone inside.

Firefighters also rescued another person from the building during the incident at 9.30am on March 12.

The fire caused disruption with fire engines and ambulance crews called to the scene.

Now West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says the fire was started by wet clothing being dried on an electric radiator.

Emergency teams were called to a house fire in West Street, Shoreham

Shoreham station manager Rod Gates attended the incident. He said: “One of the property’s occupants was rescued by a neighbour prior to our arrival, and firefighters quickly located another resident inside the house and brought them to safety.

“They were then able to bring the fire under control using one high pressure hose reel, a safety jet and a covering jet.

Read more on this story: Brave neighbour helps rescue person trapped in house fire

“The fire broke out in the first floor bathroom, and early investigations suggest that clothing was being dried on an electric radiator, which then caught fire.

“We would urge all residents not to use electric heaters to dry clothing, as it can heat up incredibly quickly.

Emergency teams were called to a house fire in West Street, Shoreham

“Heaters should be placed on a level surface, at least one metre away from any combustible materials to minimise the risk of a fire breaking out.”

Mr Gates also said the property did not have working smoke alarms, which can often be vital to allowing people to escape fires unharmed.

Emergency teams were called to a house fire in West Street, Shoreham

He said: “Smoke alarms are your first line of defence in the event of fire and will alert you that something is wrong, giving you and your family time to evacuate to a place of safety.

“We recommend that all households are fitted with a working smoke alarm on each level of the property, and are tested once a week to ensure they are working properly.

Emergency teams were called to a house fire in West Street, Shoreham

“Firefighters remained at the scene of this fire this morning ventilating the property and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further signs of fire within the property.

“They also fitted smoke alarms at the property before visiting neighbouring homes to ensure residents there had working smoke alarms, and reminded them to check them at least once a week.”