An investigation into how a vehicle fire started at a Crowborough pub car park has begun.
The company which installed the electric vehicle charging points in the car park of the Blue Anchor pub in Beacon Road, has also offered apologies and reassurance about their safety.
On 11 August fire crews from Crowborough and Uckfield and an environmental protection unit were called to the pub where an electric van, which had been using one of the charging points, went up in flames. It was thought to be an electric VW Transporter.
The vehicle was still plugged into the charging station and it took firefighters using breathing apparatus some time to fully extinguish the flames. Fortunately no-one was hurt in the incident.
Following the blaze numerous comments were made on social media about the safety of electric vehicles and the charging points.
The company, Osprey, said in a statement: “Our charging points are installed to the highest safety standards. The vehicle manufacturer has launched a full investigation into the incident, to which we are giving our support. It is too early in the investigation to venture an explanation for the vehicle fire.”
The spokesperson said that firefighters had been able to turn off the power easily, and a service engineer attended the site shortly afterwards to assess the damage and ensure the site was safe. The charging points will not be returned to use until further inspections have taken place.
“The safety of our customers, the public, and the staff at our locations remains our absolute priority. Ahead of the chargers being returned to service, a qualified independent service engineer will carry out all necessary inspections, testing, and risk assessments in accordance with applicable health and safety regulations and industry best practice, to ensure the continued safety of the site.”
The company also apologised to local residents and to the pub, and offered reassurance about the safety of charging points. “We are aware of the distress that the vehicle fire will have caused local residents and hope this provides reassurance. Electric vehicle fires are rare, occurring at the lowest rate of any type of vehicle (based on insurance analysis).”
The incident took place in the car park of the popular 18th Century pub which has previously been awarded a gold in the Beautiful South Awards Scheme. Fortunately the fire was far enough away for the building to be untouched.
The manager of the pub, Amy, said it was grateful to all the messages of support it had received. On social media she said: “I am truly sorry for any distress this has caused my neighbours. Thank you again for everyone’s kind words and support. I have always tried to work and be part of the community and I’m sorry something outside my control has let you down.”