Lightning Strikes Cause Multiple Blazes Across Sussex and Kent

Fire crews across Sussex and Kent have been battling half a dozen blazes caused by lightning strikes in the early hours of the morning. In Crawley, firefighters are dealing with a blaze in Thatcher Close, which West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said had been caused by a lightning strike. Houses in Eastbourne and Bexhill were also struck by lightning within minutes of each other shortly after midnight, with four fire engines sent to each incident. Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported three fires caused by lightning overnight, including in Ulcombe near Maidstone, where six fire engines attended the scene, and two in Faversham. An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the homes in Bexhill and Eastbourne had been "seriously damaged" by the strikes, while further strikes throughout the night had made the operation "more difficult". The spokesperson added: "Firefighters continued to work at the scene in Bexhill, using an aerial ladder platform as a water tower once the lightning eased. "They have been damping down hot spots and a re-inspection is planned at around 12:00." The incident in Eastbourne has now been closed, it added, after a "very busy night for staff". A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said four fire engines remain on the scene in Thatcher Close, confirming the blaze was also believed to have begun following a lightning strike at about 04:15 BST. Kent Fire and Rescue Service also said it was called to Newton Road in Faversham just after 03:31, and the fire was extinguished shortly before 04:30. Another fire in Faversham was also reported in Uplees Road where four fire engines attended. No casualties have been reported at any of the incidents. Thunderstorms in the early morning came after a yellow weather warning for lightning was issued for large parts of East Sussex and Kent from 02:00 to 08:00. According to the Met Office, thunderstorms are most likely to occur when the atmosphere becomes unstable, and "during periods of hot, humid weather, especially after a few days of strong sunshine, the ingredients for this instability are often in place". The storms come after days of high temperatures and red weather warnings for extreme heat. Red warnings across the South East have been lifted, but an amber warning for extreme heat remains in parts of Kent, Surrey East Sussex and parts of West Sussex. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external, X, external, and on Instagram, external and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to [email protected], external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.