This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/sussex/7673173.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Eight rescued in flats fire drama | Eight rescued in flats fire drama |
(9 minutes later) | |
Firefighters rescued five adults and a baby trapped by fire and smoke on a balcony at a block of flats after a suspected arson attack. | Firefighters rescued five adults and a baby trapped by fire and smoke on a balcony at a block of flats after a suspected arson attack. |
One person threatened to jump from the balcony as crews used a ladder to save the residents in Worthing, West Sussex. | One person threatened to jump from the balcony as crews used a ladder to save the residents in Worthing, West Sussex. |
Two elderly women who became lost on a smoke-filled landing were also rescued during the fire on Wednesday evening. | |
A further two residents were able to climb out of the building through a ground-floor window. | |
It is thought the elderly women became disorientated when doors closed behind them at the flats in St Botolphs Road. | It is thought the elderly women became disorientated when doors closed behind them at the flats in St Botolphs Road. |
They were given oxygen at the scene before being taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of breathing in smoke. | They were given oxygen at the scene before being taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of breathing in smoke. |
A man in his 30s was also given oxygen at the scene. | A man in his 30s was also given oxygen at the scene. |
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Gary Towson said an investigation involving police and a fire investigation dog would continue on Thursday. | West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Gary Towson said an investigation involving police and a fire investigation dog would continue on Thursday. |
He said the possibility of arson had not been ruled out. | He said the possibility of arson had not been ruled out. |
Zero visibility | Zero visibility |
Crews received the alert at 1840 BST when a resident said he was trapped in his second-floor flat by fire in the communal hallway. | Crews received the alert at 1840 BST when a resident said he was trapped in his second-floor flat by fire in the communal hallway. |
Residents were told to stay in their flats with their doors closed until crews could bring them out. | Residents were told to stay in their flats with their doors closed until crews could bring them out. |
Mr Towson said the hall was full of thick black smoke and visibility was "near zero". | Mr Towson said the hall was full of thick black smoke and visibility was "near zero". |
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which started in household items under the open-plan concrete staircase. | Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, which started in household items under the open-plan concrete staircase. |
The hallway was the only way in and out of the building for the nine flats, Mr Towson added. | The hallway was the only way in and out of the building for the nine flats, Mr Towson added. |
Residents were given temporary shelter by Red Cross volunteers and some have been allowed to return to their homes. | Residents were given temporary shelter by Red Cross volunteers and some have been allowed to return to their homes. |