Fire investigation officers have handed the details of the case to Sussex Police.

Firefighters were called to the former Northbrook College building at 11.15pm on Friday July 18.

Crews from Horsham Fire Station arrived quickly to find smoke pouring from the building and flames showing on the first floor.

The incident commander sent requested an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) to tackle the fire from above the roof.

As the crews were about to pitch a ladder to a first floor window, the smoke from the window started 'pulsing' - a warning to trained firefighters of a possible backdraught.

They were ordered to stand back and a few seconds later the window blew out, scattering glass below.

The fire then spread rapidly to the roof and after determining that no-one was inside the decision was made to fight the fire from outside.

Pumps were increased to eight as ALP operators wearing breathing apparatus worked from height to contain the fire with water from the ALP monitor. Three further jets were used to tackle the fire from ground level.

Residents of an adjacent nursing were advised to keep windows closed, and one further neighbour was moved to a nearby house for safety.

Crews remained at the scene overnight but the operation was scaled down after 3am.

An estimated 95 per cent of the first floor and roof were damaged by fire and a joint inspection with a Building Control Officer from Horsham District Council took place at 9am to assess the structural stability of the building.


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