Major Fire at Lancing Business Park: Six Engines Sent and Dogs Led to Safety

A large fire broke out at Lancing Business Park in Chartwell Road on the afternoon of Thursday 22 October 2026, involving two industrial buildings. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) received the first of around 50 emergency calls at 4.24pm, according to V2 Radio and Sussex World, and sent six fire engines, a water carrier and an aerial ladder platform.

Where. Lancing Business Park, Chartwell Road, Lancing, West Sussex.

When. First 999 call at 4.24pm on Thursday 22 October 2026.

What. A fire involving two industrial buildings, with black smoke visible for miles.

Response. Six fire engines, a water carrier and an aerial ladder platform, according to the fire service.

Advice. People nearby were told to keep windows and doors shut and to avoid the area.

How the evening unfolded

The fire service said at the time: “Due to the large amount of smoke, we advise keeping windows and doors shut and avoiding the area.” Sussex World reports that Chartwell Road was closed between Marlborough Road and Spencer Road.

By 7pm WSFRS had renewed its warning to nearby residents. At 8.30pm it said the incident was being scaled back, with crews staying on scene to damp down remaining hotspots, and residents were still asked to keep windows and doors closed.

Sussex News reports no injuries. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage had not been confirmed in the reports we have seen.

Dogs led to safety

Sussex World reports that an eye-witness saw eleven dogs helped to safety, and published photos of firefighters leading dogs along Chartwell Road. The business park is home to The Little Doggy Day Care Sussex, at 43 Chartwell Road.

The day care said on Facebook that all of its dogs were brought out safely. It thanked staff, firefighters and owners, and wrote: “Thank the heavens we practiced Fire Evacuations.” Sussex World reports it also praised the dogs’ behaviour.

If you live nearby

WSFRS’s advice while the fire was burning was to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area. In an emergency, always call 999.