Barbecue Sparks Massive Fire That Destroys Homes in Crawley

(Homes were seriously damaged in the blaze Photo Credit: Sun Nigeria)

Four of the ten properties in Crawley that were seriously damaged were destroyed by a large fire that was thought to have started from a BBQ.

Eight fire engines were sent to the location after the fire started at 2:40 p.m. the day before.

Flames spread rapidly through properties on Ash Keys, with residents advised to keep their windows and doors shut as crews worked throughout the afternoon to bring the fire under control.

Images from the scene showed the extent of the destruction, with four homes left gutted, roofs punctured, walls charred, and windows blown out.

The fire service confirmed that ten properties were affected in total, with the flames also spreading into surrounding gardens, and four homes sustaining serious damage.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said crews were working hard to bring the fire under control and extinguish it.

The spokesperson used the opportunity to warn that the Fire Severity Index, which measures how severe a fire could become if one breaks out, remains very high across West Sussex due to the prolonged spell of warm, dry weather.

Residents were urged to avoid using disposable barbecues or lighting bonfires outdoors, to pick up litter where they see it, to properly extinguish smoking materials, and to report any signs of fire immediately by calling 999.

The incident follows three separate grassland fires that spread quickly across a nature reserve, with residents warned to stay away from the area.

Emergency services were called to a wildfire at Barr Beacon in Birmingham the previous afternoon, while another blaze broke out at Perry Hall Playing Fields at 12.45pm, sending large plumes of smoke billowing over the park.

A third wildfire was reported at a park in Hay Mills at around 4pm.

These incidents come after a major fire swept through Dunwich Heath in Suffolk on Wednesday evening.

Terrified residents were evacuated from their homes and caravans as the blaze destroyed around 150 acres of the landscape.

More than 120 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which occurred just three miles from the Sizewell B nuclear power station, prompting a major incident declaration due to its size and complexity.

Suffolk’s chief fire officer, Jon Lacey, described it as one of the largest fires he could recall in the county’s history.

The blaze came within metres of actor Ralph Fiennes’ property, with aerial footage showing scorched land bordering his home.