Blaze Tears Through Brighton’s Royal Albion Hotel
A fierce fire has ripped through the Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton, with flames visible from a fourth-floor window and thick smoke choking the skies. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service launched a major emergency response after smoke was spotted at 5:24pm on July 15, 2023.
Massive Firefighting Effort Underway
Firefighters from Preston Circus, Newhaven, Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, and Pevensey rushed to the scene on Old Steine armed with ten fire engines, an Ariel Ladder Platform, a bulk water carrier, and an all-terrain vehicle. Four firefighters wearing breathing gear tackled the blaze with two main jets and ladder platforms.
Authorities have shut down Old Steine and part of Kings Road, urging locals to steer clear and find alternative travel routes.
Situation Still Critical as Firefighters Battle Blaze
By 7:30pm, the scale had grown to 15 fire appliances, with crews deploying a High Volume Pump and three Ariel Ladder Platforms. An Incident Command Centre was set up, coordinating efforts alongside Sussex Police, the Environment Agency, and Water Board.
Despite the ferocity of the fire and gusting winds complicating operations, there have been no reported injuries so far. Emergency services have evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution.
Warnings and Ongoing Updates
Officials strongly advise residents to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed to limit smoke exposure. The fire is expected to rage through the night amid challenging conditions.
Further updates will be posted on the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service website as the situation develops.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service: “We are aware of significant smoke in the area, worsened by high winds. Please avoid the area. There are currently no reports of casualties.”
