A LARGE fire has started at a car dealership.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) were called to the blaze at the Tesla car dealership in County Oak Way, Crawley, at 10.29am.

The Argus:

A spokeswoman for WSFRS said: "It's an eight pump fire going on and it is well alight.

"There is external fire fighting at the moment using an aerial ladder platform."

The Argus:

In a post on social media, the service described it as a "significant fire" stated: “The Tesla car dealership building in Crawley is currently well alight.

“We were called at 10.29am, crews at scene. Please avoid this busy area.”

At 1.08pm the fire service posted an update on social media.

The service stated: "Incident under control and being scaled back.

"Thanks Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for assisting.

"Four appliances remain at scene."

At 2.07pm WSFRS service posted another update and said: "Eight engines including Surrey Fire and Rescue Service attended and fire damage was contained to 25 per cent of the building with a further 25 per cent damaged by heat and smoke.

"The incident remains open for re-inspection."

Electric car manufacturer Tesla also responded to the fire.

A spokeswoman said: "The fire at Tesla’s Gatwick Service Centre has stopped and we are working with the fire department to learn more about what caused this incident.

"We can confirm that no Tesla staff or customers were injured or hurt."

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