Devastating Blaze Engulfs Historic Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton
A fierce fire tore through the iconic Royal Albion Hotel on Brighton seafront this weekend. Firefighters scrambled with 15 engines to battle the blaze amid fierce gusts of wind, making the situation even more dangerous.
Strong Winds Hamper Firefighting Efforts
The 200-year-old Regency-style hotel, overlooking Brighton Pier, was swiftly consumed by flames. A Met Office yellow weather warning was in place, with high winds rocking the area and complicating fire crews’ attempts to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighters fought tirelessly well into Sunday afternoon—more than 18 hours after the fire broke out. By 5 am, they began scaling back but stayed on site to keep a close watch.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Authorities extended the police cordon shortly before midday, evacuating over 100 people from nearby buildings as a safety precaution. Brighton City Council leader Bella Sankey voiced her sorrow about the incident and thanked emergency services for their swift action.
Bella Sankey said: “The Royal Albion Hotel is a cherished part of Brighton’s heritage. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we salute the firefighters battling this terrible blaze.”
Historic Landmark Under Threat
The 219-bedroom hotel, built in 1826, is a Grade II* listed building protected for its architectural and historical value. This isn’t the first fire to hit the property—another blaze occurred back in 1998.
Owned by Britannia Hotels, the Royal Albion remains a famous Brighton landmark, and the city now faces the daunting task of recovery and repair once the fire is fully extinguished.
Investigations into the fire’s cause will begin promptly when it’s safe, as emergency services vow to prioritise safety and support for those affected.
