A fire erupted at Blatchington Mill School in Hove, prompting an immediate response from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. The emergency call was received at 5.42 pm today, following reports of smoke billowing from the ground floor of the school building.
By 6 pm, four fire engines and numerous officers were dispatched to the scene, swiftly commencing firefighting operations. Authorities have confirmed that all persons within the school premises at the time of the incident have been safely accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
In an update provided at 6.30 pm, the Fire and Rescue Service indicated that crews, equipped with breathing apparatus and hose reel jets, were actively battling the blaze. Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents have been advised to keep their doors and windows closed and to avoid the vicinity for safety.
The situation intensified by 7.30 pm, with the deployment of six fire engines and additional fire officers. The teams were seen utilizing advanced equipment, including thermal imaging cameras, to manage the fire effectively. The Fire Service reported good progress in controlling the blaze.
By 9 pm, there was a noticeable scaling back of operations. Some fire engines began leaving the scene as the situation came under control. Crews were focused on clearing the smoke from the building, employing a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan to aid in the process. A thorough fire investigation is expected to take place soon.
Ms. Kate Claydon, the head teacher of Blatchington Mill School, released a statement addressing the incident: “All staff present during the incident were safely evacuated, and emergency services are managing the situation. We are currently uncertain about the extent of the damage. Consequently, the school will remain closed tomorrow for safety assessments to determine which areas can be safely reopened.
“We are dealing with an ongoing situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. If partial reopening is feasible later in the day, we will communicate this promptly.”
