West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have spent the night tackling a blaze at a retail unit in the vicinity of Superdrug and Bonmarche on the pedestrianised section of London Road in Bognor Regis.
The fire broke out on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and drawing multiple crews to the town centre.
The alarm was raised at 20.06 on Friday 5 December, with Joint Fire Control initially mobilising three fire engines to the scene. On arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire inside the building. A further three engines, along with an aerial ladder platform, were deployed as crews worked to contain the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
The operation continued into the early hours, with firefighters using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets as they worked methodically through the building. Crews successfully brought the fire under control, limiting damage to the wider area. Firefighters left the scene at approximately 01.00, though Sussex Police remained in attendance to support safety measures and maintain cordons.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 20.06 on Friday 5 December to reports of a fire on the pedestrianised section of London Road, Bognor Regis. Joint Fire Control mobilised three pumps to the scene. Upon arrival firefighters were faced with a retail unit that was on fire. A further three pumps were then deployed, and the fire was brought under control.”
London Road was closed to the public throughout the incident, with emergency teams placing cordons around the affected part of the town centre. Officers urged residents to avoid the area while crews worked and advised those living nearby to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke drifting from the scene.
Our reporter on scene this morning says Superdrug is open as normal.
No injuries have been reported, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to begin later today.
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