WT24 Desk
FIREFIGHTERS have spent the day tackling a major fire at a school in a seaside town, The Sun reports. Fourteen fire engines, including two aerial ladder platforms, were dispatched to The Academy in Selsey, near Chichester, West Sussex, after the blaze broke out at around 8am on Sunday.
Crews from neighbouring Hampshire were also tasked to tackle the flames as stacks of thick, acrid smoke poured from the building. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service described it as a “major” fire amid reports that loud explosions could be heard in the area. It has now scaled down its operation as the fire is under control.
The Academy is a mixed school for pupils aged 11 to 16. It was opened by the Duke of Norfolk in September 1963 as Manhood Secondary Modern School. The school said it would be making arrangements for students due to collect their GCSE results on Thursday.
Both the school and council officials are working together to make sure plans are in place for the start of the new term in September. West Sussex County Council Leader Louise Goldsmith said: “Our thanks as always go West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews for dealing with the blaze at Selsey Academy so promptly and efficiently.
“This was an extensive fire and we know that the level of damage has yet to be properly assessed, although we anticipate it will be severe.” Nobody was injured during the blaze and the cause of the fire is still unknown. South East Coast Ambulance Service said it was supporting West Sussex fire service, and restated advice to locals to keep windows shut and stay indoors.
The county fire and rescue service said: “People in vicinity of smoke from Selsey school fire advised to stay clear of smoke, stay indoors and keep windows closed.” More than 60 calls were received by the Sussex control room about the blaze, the fire service added.
