Debenhams open again after blaze

Firefighters at Debenhams in Worthing following the fire. Picture by Eddie Mitchell.

The blaze started in the store’s make-up department at about 9am today and was caused by apparatus on one of the counters. It was closed for a time but has now reopened.

Worthing fire station commander Roy Barraclough: “Two engines and an aerial apparatus was deployed to the scene. We arrived in three or four minutes and the fire was quickly put out.”

Mr Barraclough added no-one was believed to have been hurt in the incident, and firefighters were using fans to clear the store of smoke as well as removing damaged stock and other items.

“There was a sprinkler system in use but it did not go off because the fire wasn’t big enough. An evacuation by Debenhams staff was swiftly put in action and the building was empty when we arrived. It is now a case of clearing the smoke,” said Mr Barraclough.

Debenhams staff were unable to comment.

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