Crews respond to afternoon field fire
Three fire engines from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) are at the scene of a field fire in West Dean on Sunday afternoon, with the service asking people living close by to keep windows and doors shut and to avoid the area while firefighters work.
WSFRS confirmed the incident at 4.20pm, saying the blaze was in a field close to West Dean College. The service shared the update on its official Facebook page and stressed that access should be kept clear for emergency vehicles as crews deal with the fire.
“We are currently at the scene of a fire in a field in West Dean, near West Dean College, with three fire engines in attendance. Please keep windows and doors shut if you live nearby, and avoid the area to allow our crews to work safely.”
Public urged to steer clear
The message from the fire service is straightforward and precautionary: residents in the immediate area should keep smoke out of homes by closing up, and anyone not living locally should give the scene a wide berth to allow crews to operate without obstruction. Smoke from field fires can travel and irritate airways, particularly for those with existing respiratory conditions, which is why closing windows is advised when incidents are nearby.
Field fires can move quickly once established, particularly when dry grass or stubble is involved. While the precise cause of this incident has not been given, WSFRS routinely reminds the public that small sparks, discarded cigarettes or hot machinery can ignite parched vegetation at this time of year. The service has indicated it will issue further updates as information becomes available.
What we know so far
- Location: A field close to West Dean College
- Time reported by WSFRS: 4.20pm on Sunday
- Resources: Three fire engines
- Guidance: Keep windows and doors shut if nearby; avoid the area
At-a-glance
| Detail | Update |
|---|---|
| Incident type | Field fire |
| Service | West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service |
| Area | West Dean, near West Dean College |
| Appliances | 3 fire engines |
| Public advice | Shut windows/doors; avoid the area |
| First notice | 4.20pm (Facebook post) |
Local impact and next steps
For people living or working close to the college, the immediate priority is keeping smoke out and staying away from the scene so firefighters can concentrate on containment and make the area safe. Drivers who usually pass through West Dean are advised to choose alternative routes for the time being. Any further details on road access, the scale of the burn or how long crews expect to be in attendance have not yet been published by WSFRS.
Field fires, even when swiftly dealt with, can leave lingering smoke and a scorched area of land. Residents may notice a smell in the air for a period after the main flames are out. The fire service typically checks for hotspots before leaving to prevent reignition, which can extend the time crews remain at a rural site after the most visible flames have been knocked back.
Awaiting further information
At this stage, the fire service has not released details about the extent of the affected area or any cause. No injuries have been reported in the initial statement. WSFRS has indicated further updates will follow; we will share confirmed information as it arrives. In the meantime, anyone in the vicinity is encouraged to follow the service’s advice and allow crews to operate without interruption.
If you live nearby and are concerned about smoke inside your property, the standard guidance is to keep internal doors closed and reduce ventilation facing the direction of the plume until conditions improve. Residents should continue to monitor official WSFRS channels for the latest on when the incident is fully resolved.
