Emergency services were deployed on Saturday evening to respond to a fire that engulfed a hardware store on Queen Street, Horsham. The blaze also affected a flat above the premises, where a family narrowly escaped with their children, managing to avoid injury but losing all their belongings in the process.
Family Left with Nothing, But Safe
The family residing above the hardware store fled their home with their young children, leaving everything behind. Reports confirm they escaped unhurt, but the incident left them without possessions, including basic essentials like shoes. Their plight has drawn significant attention, leading to the creation of a GoFundMe page to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
In less than 48 hours, the fundraiser has already surpassed £15,000, showcasing the generosity of the local community and beyond. The page, accessible here, has been shared widely, encouraging further donations to help the family recover from this devastating loss.
Firefighters Battle the Flames
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service confirmed that they were called to the scene at 10:07 pm on January 18. A spokesperson stated, “Upon arrival, crews were confronted with a well-developed fire at the rear of a large commercial premises.”
The response involved 10 fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, a water carrier, and a command support vehicle. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. The swift action ensured there were no injuries among the residents or emergency responders.
The fire was classified as accidental in origin, and its aftermath saw 18 local residents evacuated as a precautionary measure. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service continues to monitor the site for potential hotspots through regular re-inspections.
