PICTURES: Fire destroys sheltered apartment

Six fire appliances were sent to Hogshill Gardens sheltered accommodation just after 5pm yesterday (Wednesday January 18) , a spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed.

A hose reel jet, a safety jet and breathing gear were all used to deal with the flames, the spokesman said.

One apartment on the first floor was ‘100 per cent destroyed by fire’, the fire service confirmed.

A spokesperson for Housing and Care 21, which runs the Hogshill Gardens site, said: “The fire has caused significant damage to one flat, but thankfully everyone is okay.

“The alarms and safety measures worked well, and the resident was out of the flat in good time. They were taken to hospital but did not suffer serious harm.

“The scheme was not evacuated, but a number of the residents in neighbouring flats were checked over by ambulance crews in case of smoke inhalation.

“We are in talks with social services to find appropriate accommodation for the resident while the fire-damaged flat is repaired.”

Hogshill Gardens contains 39 flats, with residents living independently with care and support services based on-site.

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