“They have been damping down hot spots and a re-inspection is planned at around 12:00.”<\/p>\n
The incident in Eastbourne has now been closed, it added, after a “very busy night for staff”.<\/p>\n
A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said four fire engines remain on the scene in Thatcher Close, confirming the blaze was also believed to have begun following a lightning strike at about 04:15 BST.<\/p>\n
Kent Fire and Rescue Service also said it was called to Newton Road in Faversham just after 03:31, and the fire was extinguished shortly before 04:30.<\/p>\n
Another fire in Faversham was also reported in Uplees Road where four fire engines attended.<\/p>\n
No casualties have been reported at any of the incidents.<\/p>\n
Thunderstorms in the early morning came after a yellow weather warning for lightning was issued for large parts of East Sussex and Kent from 02:00 to 08:00.<\/p>\n
According to the Met Office, thunderstorms are most likely to occur when the atmosphere becomes unstable, and “during periods of hot, humid weather, especially after a few days of strong sunshine, the ingredients for this instability are often in place”.<\/p>\n
The storms come after days of high temperatures and red weather warnings for extreme heat. <\/a><\/p>\n Red warnings across the South East have been lifted, but an amber warning for extreme heat remains in parts of Kent, Surrey East Sussex and parts of West Sussex.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external<\/a>, X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n