Rise of fires in street prompts safety day

The day is taking place on The Green and is a result of the high level of call-outs received by the fire service to South Terrace.

In almost two years between July, 2012, and May this year, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended a total of 47 emergency calls to South Terrace for a range of incidents, including fires in both domestic and business premises.

In September, a fire set deliberately in the communal area of a block of flats in South Terrace claimed the life of 24-year-old resident Terry Davies.

Business fire safety officer Paul Wykes, who has organised the information day, said the effort was part of the fire service’s campaign to reduce the number of blazes in the county.

He said: “We know that fires have a devastating impact on families, businesses and local communities.

“That’s why we are always trying to find ways of making our home and business fire safety advice as accessible as possible for people.

“Hosting an information day like this is an important part if our on-going campaign to reduce the number and impact of fires across West Sussex.

“We’d encourage people in the local area to take the time to come along and talk to us.”

The event, which is being held on The Green between 3.30pm and 8.30pm, is an opportunity for residents and business owners to come and talk to crews about fire safety, as well as pick up useful advice and information from a range of other local partner agencies.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s community information bus will be on site throughout the afternoon with firefighters and specialist advisers on hand to give simple and practical tips on how to stay fire safe in their homes and businesses, including advice on the importance of working smoke alarms and how to reduce the risk of arson.

The fire service operates a free home fire safety check across the county, prioritising those over 65 or with a disability.

For more details, call 0800 328 6487 or log on to the website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire