Lightning strikes cause fires and damage across Kent and Sussex
“They are reducing hotspots and a re-inspection is scheduled for around 12pm.”
It was stated that the event in Eastbourne was closed after “a very busy night for staff”.
A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that four fire engines remained at the scene of Thatcher Close and the fire was believed to have started after a lightning strike at around 04:15 GMT.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service also said it was called to Newton Road in Faversham just after 03.31am and the fire was extinguished shortly before 04.30am.
Another fire in Faversham was reported on Uplees Road, where four fire engines attended.
There was no loss of life in any of the incidents.
The early morning thunderstorms came after a yellow weather warning was issued for much of East Sussex and Kent between 2am and 8am.
According to the Met Office, thunderstorms are most likely to occur when the atmosphere becomes unstable, and “components of this instability are often present during periods of warm, humid weather, particularly after several days of strong sunshine”.
The storms come after days of high temperatures and red weather warnings for extreme temperatures.
Red warnings in the South East have been lifted, but a yellow warning for extreme temperatures remains in Kent, Surrey East Sussex and parts of West Sussex.
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