A takeaway fire that left a man suffering from burns and smoke inhalation has prompted a warning from the fire service.
The incident, which happened on December 26 last year, is believed to have been started accidentally in the kitchen of the Jasmine chinese takeaway shop in Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham.
The road was closed at the time while emergency services attended the scene, including multiple firefighters, police and ambulance crews.
READ MORE: Independent shop set to close this month
The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are now encouraging businesses to get in touch so they can help them improve their management of fire safety.
Dave Bray, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service area manager for protection, said: "Following a serious fire, 25 per cent of businesses never re-open, and there are a large number of fire risks in restaurants, fast food outlets and takeaways that business owners must be aware of.
"These risks increase significantly where there is also sleeping accommodation provided within the building.
“Not only do these fires ruin livelihoods, as seen at the fire in Shoreham, they can also cause injuries.
"We are keen to work with independent takeaways and fast-food outlets to ensure that they, their employees, customers and their local communities are protected from fire and kept as safe as possible.
“We have lots of fire safety information for businesses on our website, including an interactive business fire safety awareness tool, as well as contact details for our fire safety team should anyone responsible for adhering to fire safety legislation wish to get in touch with us directly.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also offer a range of fire safety training courses for businesses to book onto, alongside fire extinguisher servicing.
The takeaway impacted by the fire has since reopened.
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