Five fire engines were called to a blaze at Bupa’s Dean Wood care home in East Sussex yesterday after smoke was seen billowing from the building.

Residents were evacuated and safely returned to the home after firefighters extinguished the blaze.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said three fire crews attended the blaze at 3.18pm following reports of a fire.

An aerial ladder platform, one main jet and one hydrant were used to tackle the fire which was extinguished within an hour.

Crews reported the fire was affecting solar panels on the roof of the nursing home with a full evacuation completed and no reports of casualties.

Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Brighton and Hove City Council were also in attendance.

Danni Davies, managing director for Dean Wood care home, said: “Thanks to the swift action of our care home team who followed our fire procedures calmly and efficiently, all our residents and staff were evacuated safely while the fire brigade attended.

“The fire was quickly put out and once safe, our staff helped all residents to return to the home. The safety of everyone is our home is our highest priority and we are very proud of how quickly our team acted.”