West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to be cautious when smoking, after a fire broke out in an apartment block on Wednesday evening.  

Firefighters from Crawley, Horsham and East Grinstead attended the incident at the care home in Southgate, in which one bedroom was completely destroyed.  Due to the quick action of staff at the development, all residents were safely evacuated.  Crews arrived within four minutes, promptly extinguishing the fire.  

Watch Commander, Lee Walton urged people to take extra care when smoking inside a property by using a heavy bottomed ashtray, never smoking when tired, and always ensuring there are working smoke alarms which are regularly tested, to reduce the risk.