Firefighters were called to the scene in Harwood Road to extinguish the blaze.

The British Red Cross has been drafted in to help vulnerable people left without power.

Almost 3,500 people were affected by the black out which set in just before 8pm.

EDF Engineers restored power to the majority of homes within 20 minutes.

But this morning there were still 428 customers without electricity.

EDF spokesperson Rajan Lakhani said: "The British Red Cross are now in the area to help give practical support to customers without power.

"They will have the latest information for customers affected by the power outage on how work is progressing and can provide hot drinks to those who need them.

"They will be contacting any vulnerable customers we are aware of."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines from Horsham and Crawley to tackle the blaze after the call was received at 8.01pm.

They made the area safe by 9pm.

Firefighters said the explosion could have been caused by faulty machinery.

In total 3,479 customers were affected by the black out, which began at 7.56pm.

EDF said engineers are working as quickly and safeyly as possible to restore power to the remaining homes.

Were you affected by the incident? Add your comment below or contact chief reporter Tim Raw.