Latest news with #WestSussexFireandRescueService
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
House bursts into flames after LIGHTNING strike as thunderstorms sweep in – and Met Office warns of possible tornado
Stormy weather is spreading across the nation this week STRUCK DOWN House bursts into flames after LIGHTNING strike as thunderstorms sweep in – and Met Office warns of possible tornado A HOUSE has been set ablaze after being hit by a lightning strike as thunderstorms sweep the country. The Met Office has also warned of a possible incoming tornado as the UK braces for a spell of stormy weather. Advertisement 4 Smoke streamed from the roof of a house following a lightning strike 4 Fire crews rushed to the property in West Sussex to tackle the flames 4 The house was set alight after a lightning strike as storms ravage the nation A house in Fittleworth, Chichester, in West Sussex, burst into flames and smoke billowed from the roof. Firefighters rushed to the scene at 3pm, with several fire engines attending. Homes nearby were told to keep their doors and windows shut as crews worked to extinguish the fire. A spokesperson from the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said yesterday: "We were called at 2.57pm to a house fire caused by a lightning strike in School Close, Fittleworth. Advertisement "We currently have six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish a fire in the roof space of the property. "School Lane is currently closed and people are being advised to avoid the area." They later added that the fire had been "scaled back". No casualties have been reported. Advertisement The blaze comes amid forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms. While the Met Office warned there is a risk of thunder and lightning, it even said there's a possibility for a brief tornado. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'Bit of a north-south split in our weather through today – northern parts having a lot of fine, sunny weather, meanwhile in the south we've seen some wet weather push its way in. "There will be further showery bursts to come as we go through the rest of today.' Advertisement He added: "It's not out of the question that we could see a funnel cloud, maybe even a brief tornado across parts of the South East." After a spell of sunny weather, Brits woke up to downpours on Wednesday morning as forecasters warned that a turn in the weather was coming in over the weekend. The rainy weather will gradually spread across the nation on Saturday and Sunday with Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers. This will largely be scattered showers but some storms may develop across northwest England and southwest Scotland. Advertisement The south of England and Wales may see more rain and showers today but other areas are expected to enjoy fine weather. Thursday and Friday will see more sunshine, particularly in the west. However, Thursday and Friday may also experience unseasonably cold nights with possibilities of isolated frost. This follows the driest start to the season in nearly six decades. Advertisement Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway explained: 'The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell. 'The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday. "They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. "These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers. Advertisement 'So, whilst the Bank Holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.'
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
House bursts into flames after LIGHTNING strike as thunderstorms sweep in – and Met Office warns of possible tornado
A HOUSE has been set ablaze after being hit by a lightning strike as thunderstorms sweep the country. The Met Office has also warned of a possible incoming tornado as the UK braces for a spell of stormy weather. 4 Smoke streamed from the roof of a house following a lightning strike 4 Fire crews rushed to the property in West Sussex to tackle the flames 4 The house was set alight after a lightning strike as storms ravage the nation A house in Fittleworth, Chichester, in West Sussex, burst into flames and smoke billowed from the roof. Firefighters rushed to the scene at 3pm, with several fire engines attending. Homes nearby were told to keep their doors and windows shut as crews worked to extinguish the fire. A spokesperson from the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said yesterday: "We were called at 2.57pm to a house fire caused by a lightning strike in School Close, Fittleworth. "We currently have six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform at the scene. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are working to extinguish a fire in the roof space of the property. "School Lane is currently closed and people are being advised to avoid the area." They later added that the fire had been "scaled back". No casualties have been reported. Most read in The Sun The blaze comes amid forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms. While the Met Office warned there is a risk of thunder and lightning, it even said there's a Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'Bit of a north-south split in our weather through today – northern parts having a lot of fine, sunny weather, meanwhile in the south we've seen some wet weather push its way in. "There will be further showery bursts to come as we go through the rest of today.' He added: "It's not out of the question that we could see a funnel cloud, maybe even a brief tornado across parts of the South East." After a spell of sunny weather, Brits woke up to downpours on as forecasters warned that a turn in the weather was coming in over the weekend. The rainy weather will gradually spread across the nation on Saturday and Sunday with Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers. This will largely be The south of England and Wales may see more rain and showers today but other areas are expected to enjoy fine weather. Thursday and Friday will see more sunshine, particularly in the west. However, Thursday and Friday may also experience unseasonably cold nights with possibilities of isolated frost. This follows the Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway explained: 'The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell. 'The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday. "They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. Read more on the Irish Sun "These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers. 'So, whilst the Bank Holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.' 4 Rain struck in Chippenham, Wiltshire, yesterday, causing misery for motorists Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fire crews tackle blaze at protected wildlife area
Firefighters are battling a wildfire near Milland in West Sussex. Nine fire engines from West Sussex, Hampshire, and Surrey are working to extinguish the blaze, on Chapel Common. The incident was reported to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service shortly before 08:00 BST, according to a spokesperson. The fire service said: "People nearby are urged to avoid the area while the fire is extinguished to allow the firefighters to work safely." Chapel Common is a protected site of special scientific interest. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Residents urged to help prevent wildfires Crews battle large wildfire over Easter weekend West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fire chief to step down as she takes on new role
A fire chief who battled her way out of homelessness as a teenager to become a distinguished firefighter and an adviser to the Prince of Wales is taking on a new role. West Sussex chief fire officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton will step down from her current position later this year to become the new chief fire officer to lead Hampshire and Isle Of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. She will become the organisation's first female fire chief, replacing current officer Neil Odin. Ms Cohen-Hatton joined West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 2019, having previously worked with THE London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue. In 2023, she was awarded the King's Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry. Speaking of her appointment, Ms Cohen-Hatton said: 'I am truly honoured to have been appointed to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am incredibly excited to begin this new role to ensure that the Service continues to deliver for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 'I would like to formally put on record my thanks to the service's current chief fire officer, Neil Odin, who I have been privileged to work alongside for many years. 'I know that his time leading the service will leave a lasting legacy that I will work with to ensure that residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are kept safe from the risk of fire and emergencies.' Read more: Brighton primary school's pool open for lessons this summer She added: 'I am incredibly proud of the time that I spent at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, where I was equally as privileged to work with some incredible people as we worked together to deliver the service's improvement plan. 'It is with a heavy heart that I leave the service but know that I am leaving the service in safe hands and I take with me many fond memories and friendships. 'I am very much looking forward to working with all colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to uphold all of the fantastic work that all of its teams deliver each and every day to keep the residents living and working in its communities safe.' Ms Cohen-Hatton first developed an interest in the fire service when selling the Big Issue as a teenager. Read more: She had experienced a period of homelessness from the age of 15 and was inspired to help others when they were most at need. Ms Cohen-Hatton is now an ambassador for The Big Issue, as well as an advocate of Prince William's Homewards Foundation. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority chairman Councillor Rhydian Vaughan MBE said: 'The role of chief fire officer is one of huge responsibility, and following our rigorous recruitment process, I am certain Sabrina is the right person to lead us forward.' 'I am very much looking forward to welcoming Sabrina when she formally joins us later this year. As a fire authority we look forward to working with her and to support her in being at the helm of this incredible organisation.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second blaze in less than two months at village pub
A village pub near Chichester has caught fire for the second time in less than two months. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said five fire engines, one water carrier and one ladder platform responded to a blaze at the Gribble Inn pub in Oving on Friday. They said the flames were put out just after 19:00 BST, but urged nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke. Crews continue to remain at the site, the fire service added. It comes after a fire at the pub, which has a thatched roof, at the end of February. That blaze was likened to a "raging inferno" by Greg Hughes, a sous chef at the Gribble Inn. Ten fire engines were deployed to the scene at that time, while the high street was temporarily closed. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Pub fire closes village high street West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
