UPDATED: Accidental house fire in St Leonards

Smoke coming from the first floor in a house on Westerleigh Close, St Leonards. Photo by Mick Bean

Two East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service appliances from Hastings were called at around 11.50am to Westerleigh Close.

On arrival smoke was issuing and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were sent in after there were fears the resident may have been inside.

Fortunately the resident was not at home.

Crews used one hose reel jet and one in seven foam to extinguish the fire, which started under the stairs.

An investigation confirmed the incident was accidental and fire crews believe it was caused by electrics.

One appliance is still on the scene to make the area safe.

Bystander Sara Williams said on Twitter: “The firefighters do us proud.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews at a fire in Westerleigh Close, St Leonards. Photo by Sara Williams

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