Residents in East Sussex reported their houses shaking as explosions and bright orange flashes lit up the sky following a fire at an agricultural building in East Hoathly. The blaze, which began shortly before midnight on Tuesday, prompted a response from four fire crews.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three barns were extensively destroyed by fire, with exploding cylinders contributing to the intensity of the blaze. Witnesses described hearing multiple loud bangs and seeing the sky glow red from as far as Polegate and Eastbourne.
A local resident in Golden Cross said her house shook due to the explosions. The fire service urged the public to avoid the area and advised nearby residents to close windows and doors due to smoke.
By 2:45am, the incident was declared a controlled burn, with one crew remaining overnight to monitor the scene within a 200-metre exclusion zone. No injuries have been reported.
