Fire Erupts in Bognor Regis Flats – Residents Evacuated
A blaze tore through a block of flats in Bognor Regis tonight, forcing residents to flee for safety. The fire broke out on the second floor of Phoenix Court on Lyon Street just after 7pm, sending plumes of smoke into the evening sky.
Firefighters Battle Blaze in Timber-Framed Building
Emergency crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene, deploying four pumping appliances and 20 firefighters. Teams wearing breathing apparatus tackled the flames with high-pressure hose reels, battling the fire in the timber-framed building.
The flat where the fire began – reportedly the dining room – was badly damaged. Luckily, it was unoccupied at the time.
Residents Left Homeless Amid Smoke and Water Damage
The fire has left several flats damaged by smoke and water. Eyewitnesses described smoke “pouring out of the windows and flames licking around the doors” as the fire engulfed the property.
“Smoke was pouring out of the windows and flames licked around the doors,” said one horrified witness.
A resident, choosing to remain anonymous, revealed the flat’s owner had told a neighbour she was heading away for a few days amid troubles linked to a drug-dealing debt.
Police Step In – Investigation Underway
Police quickly cordoned off the area and set up local traffic diversions to aid emergency workers. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.
A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue confirmed: “Four pumping appliances were mobilised just after 7pm to tackle the fire at the three-storey building.
