Two properties in East Sussex have been engulfed in flames after being struck by lightning during the early hours of Saturday, June 27, 2026. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service reported that four fire engines were dispatched to each blaze, with both houses described as 'well alight'.
Incident Details
The first call came at 12:03 am to a roof fire on Selmeston Road in Eastbourne. A second call followed at 12:19 am to Long Avenue in Bexhill, where a house was alight after being struck by lightning. Firefighters remain at both locations and have appealed to the public to stay away from the areas while emergency services work to tackle the incidents.
Response and Safety
East Sussex Fire and Rescue stated: 'Lightning is reported to have started fires in Eastbourne and in Bexhill. Joint Fire Control have received multiple 999 calls. Crews are working hard, with four fire engines sent to each incident. At this time there are no reports of injuries. Please avoid the areas.'
Weather Context
The lightning strikes occurred as the UK experienced a third successive day of record-breaking June temperatures, with a shift to more westerly conditions bringing the threat of thunderstorms. The Met Office issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of southeast England, where temperatures were expected to reach the low 30s Celsius. Friday had been confirmed as the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK, with a provisional temperature of 37.3°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: 'The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest... Western areas of Scotland and large swathes of Northern Ireland are set to experience some rainfall on Saturday... Those residing in the south east could stay dry throughout the weekend, though there remains a threat of thunderstorms in the region.'
