Fire at sailing club

Crews responded to reports of a fire at a sailing club building.

On arrival, firefighters found an industrial unit alight, with the fire affecting both the first floor and roof space. It had also spread to the roof of a neighbouring residential property.

By 1.15pm, the Incident Commander confirmed that firefighters had contained the fire and were working to fully extinguish it and prevent any further spread. By 2.15pm, crews remained on scene damping down hotspots both internally and externally.

Update 4.30pm

Following a fire investigation, the cause has been confirmed as accidental.

Station Manager Quentin Sage, from Brightlingsea Fire Station, said:

“We know this has been a really difficult incident for the local community - as a Grade II listed building, it holds a lot of history and a special place in the town.

“Although the fire started off small, it escalated quickly due to a failed external gas pipe and the fact it was a timber-framed building.

“Our crews worked incredibly hard to save artefacts and other important items, as well as to stop the fire from spreading further. But unfortunately, both this building and the house next door has been left with significant fire damage.”