Barn fire at Boar’s Head

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called just after 1pm today (Sunday 25th) to reports of a barn on fire at Eridge.

Six fire engines and a control unit attended the scene on Sandhill Lane.

Our beloved 17th century barn, the home to our brewery was struck by lightning today and has sadly burned to the ground. Thankfully the team and I are all safe and no one was hurt. The barn is something our family and brew team treasured with so many fond memories (2 of 3) pic.twitter.com/wegu6q2YRL

— Good Things Brewing Co. (@goodthingsbrco) July 25, 2021

Good evening all, we have some incredibly sad news, I am not quite sure how to say this as we are all in shock still but we just wanted to release this statement as so many of you have already been in touch to check in on us. (1 of 3) pic.twitter.com/1YFDx0Oe4F

— Good Things Brewing Co. (@goodthingsbrco) July 25, 2021

The Fire Service have said the cause may be linked to thunderstorms and lightening in the area.

Due to the weather, the smoke was not clearing quickly and locals were being urged to keep doors and windows closed.

ESFRS said that they expected that firefighters may need to remain at the site until the early evening.

Other Weather-related Problems

Earlier in the day the Fire Service had been called to cases of flooding to homes and businesses in the Crowborough area because of torrential downpours (see below).

We're getting lots of calls about flooding in Crowborough. We are on scene and helping. Remember to stay out of flood water, avoid going near electrics and look out for vulnerable neighbours. Read more advice https://t.co/jjg5Mb0Z3N pic.twitter.com/Hlu1FZxjnl

— East Sussex FRS (@EastSussexFRS) July 25, 2021

There has also been disruption to rail services with a loss of the signally system on the Uckfield Line.

A Met Office Yellow weather warning for heavy showers and thunderstorms remains in place until midnight tonight.

Other flooding incidents in the Crowborough area

At 10:09 – one fire engine went to Fairview Lane, Crowborough. There was flooding to property from the roadway and local stream. Efforts were made to contain it using a polyboom and submersible pump.

At 10:11 – one fire engine was asked to attend a supermarket on Pine Grove, Crowborough due to flooding in the building but a repeat call said that we were not required.

At 10:13 – one fire engine attended Fern Close, Crowborough. There was flooding due to heavy water runoff from the main road and crews used a main pump to pump out approx 5 feet of water from a basement flat. Surface water runoff which was affecting 10 properties was diverted.

At 10:16 – one fire engine was asked to attend a supermarket on Croft Road, Crowborough because of blocked storm drains. Advice was given

At 10:23 – one fire engine was called to Rannoch Road West, Crowborough due to a small amount of flooding in a building. Electrics were not involved and there was no action by us.

At 10:28 – one fire engine was sent to Beacon Road, Crowborough where there was flooding in a garage. Drains and flood water were cleared by Fire Service. Polybooms were set up to prevent further egress into the property.

At 10:44 – two fire engines were set to flooding in a building on Ghyll Road, Crowborough where crews used a submersible pump.

ESFRS have issued this advice to householders and businesses about flood prevention.