Littlehampton fire: emergency services thanked for saving care home residents

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a fire at St Joseph’s Nursing Home in East Street, Littlehampton, at 9.30am on Wednesday. On arrival crews found a fire involving solar panels on the roof of the building.

Read more:

Large emergency response to fire in Littlehampton town centreLittlehampton fire: Aerial images show where the fire beganAll residents and staff were swiftly evacuated to the nearby Flintstone Centre where their care needs could be met while firefighters from Littlehampton, East Preston, Arundel and Worthing brought the fire under control.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus brought the fire under control using two hose reels, one covering jet and a safety jet alongside the aerial ladder platform from Worthing Fire Station. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area due to the high number of emergency service vehicles in attendance.

Crews remained at the scene until just before 2pm, with officers returning to carry out a reinspection to ensure there was no reignition of the fire.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for the fire service, said: “I would like to thank all of the firefighters and officers involved in the operation yesterday for their swift response in preventing what could have been a much worse outcome for all involved.

“Officers from a wide number of different partner organisations worked together to ensure that those residents affected by this fire received the highest level of care and support while suitable alternative accommodation was arranged as quickly as possible."

Throughout the day, staff from the county council’s adult social care teams and Arun District Council made sure residents affected by this fire were safe and supported.

Amanda Jupp, cabinet member for Adults and Health, said: “I am very proud of all of the staff involved in yesterday’s emergency response, who pulled together as one team amidst these very challenging circumstances we find ourselves in to help keep our residents safe.”

James Walsh, leader of Arun District Council, went to the care home shortly after the fire was put out.

He said: "I managed to speak to emergency service commanders on site and to thank them for their very prompt actions in saving life and property.

"I also spoke to one of the nuns, and thanked them for their immediate response in ensuring resident safety."

He added: "We are all immensely grateful for our emergency services, but especially at this time for the ambulance service and the police, and I want to say a very heartfelt thank you on behalf of all local residents."