The entire roof of a large country house was engulfed in flames after a lightning strike in the early hours of the morning.
The major fire broke out at a large house in Henley Old Road, Easebourne, near Midhurst, at around 7.30am this morning.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said seven fire engines were in attendance, as well as its command unit.
The narrow road had to be closed while firefighters tackled the blaze.
One witness said he "had never seen anything like it".
A fire service spokesman said: “We were called to the property by the occupants after an apparent lightning strike.
“The fire spread to the entire roof and has caused extensive damage.
“There is a large West Sussex Fire Service presence, assisted by our colleagues from Surrey and Hampshire.
"Please avoid the area if possible and keep windows and doors closed if you live nearby.
"Fire engines in attendance are from Midhurst, Petworth, Chichester, Billingshurst, Liphook, Haslemere, Farnham, plus the command unit from Bognor Regis."
It comes after The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for most of the country.
The warning is in effect for Sussex from 4am this morning until 5am tomorrow.
A Met Office spokeswoman said: “A band of heavy rain will move northwards through Sunday morning, followed by scattered heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon.”
The Duke of Cumberland Arms, a nearby pub, had to close all morning due to the road closure during the blaze.
Simon Goodman, head chef and owner, said: “We’re closed for lunchtime, we may be open for drinks in the evening. It depends what happens in the village, there are fire engines everywhere.
“The fire service turned up around 7am to 7.30am. I think the building was struck by lightning overnight.
“We closed the pub because it’s a single-track narrow road and they had to use the water supply so we didn’t have any water this morning.
“We’re closed for Sunday lunch, we had to turn over 100 people away. We will be fine, we just hope everyone is fine in the village.
“We’re now making bacon sandwiches for the fire service.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel