A significant fire broke out at Hailsham Town Football Club on Tuesday evening, resulting in the evacuation of young footballers during their training session. The emergency services were alerted around 7:10 PM GMT when flames engulfed the hedge bordering the recreation ground, quickly spreading to nearby structures. The local police classification of the fire as having "suspected deliberate ignition" has heightened concerns among community members, prompting calls for vigilance against potential vandalism.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the rapid escalation of the fire. Neil Povey, who was present at the scene with his son, described how they and other bystanders immediately sprung to action, moving potentially hazardous equipment away from the flames. "There were some goal posts not far from the fire, so we very quickly moved those out of the way," Povey recounted during his interview. He later discovered the fire's intensity affected about 20% of the viewing stand.
The club’s spokesperson acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the youth team coaches, volunteers, and local residents, stating, "Fire crews are on site, and we thank them and our volunteers for their efforts tackling the blaze and saving equipment." The local firefighting units from Eastbourne utilized two hose reel jets, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
This incident was alarming for many local residents as it follows closely on the heels of another suspicious fire reported just days prior. Rob Wilkinson, of the Hailsham Cricket Club and one of the first responders to the fire, expressed his shock at the recent events. "It was frightening; the size of it took me by surprise. The closest people detected the smoke first, and by the time I arrived, the fire had already spread significantly," he said. Wilkinson noted the community hub often buzzes with activity from several sports and events, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining safety for all users.
The aftermath of the blaze revealed hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the club, including around twenty plastic seats destroyed and uncertainty about the stand's structural integrity, which casts doubt on the future of upcoming matches. A fundraiser was recently launched on social media platforms aimed at generating funds to support the club’s recovery efforts, as well as to replace damaged equipment.
Members of the public have expressed concern over what appears to be part of larger issues of vandalism affecting the club. A local resident stated, "The frequency of these incidents makes one wonder whether this fire is isolated or part of something more sinister." Residents recall another fire incident at the pavilion's bin only the previous Friday, raising alarms within the community. "It's disheartening, especially since most of us are volunteers striving to provide kids with sports equipment instead of cleaning up after acts of vandalism," one local expressed.
Officials from both the Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire Service are conducting follow-up investigations on both incidents to determine any possible links or motives behind the suspicious activities. Witnesses and individuals who may have information about the fire are encouraged to reach out to the local police.
Hailsham Town Football Club is reaching out to the community for support during this time, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all players, young and old, who engage with the club. The club remains optimistic about returning to normal operations as quickly as possible.
Despite the setbacks, community leaders urge continued support for local sports initiatives. Hailsham Town’s officials remain hopeful and continue emphasizing resilience, stating, "We must rally together as we always have. This is more than just about football; it’s about our community. It won’t stop us, but it is hard to take." Sign-ups for supporters are encouraged to rebuild and reinforce the bonds within the community, proving once again the spirit of teamwork transcends the game itself.