East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to the call at 11.10pm, dispatching six fire engines, an Aerial Ladder Platform, the Command Unit, and several senior officers to the scene.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus and using two main jets, worked through the night to bring the flames under control. Sussex Police were also in attendance to support emergency efforts and begin investigations.
There were no reported injuries, but the incident was serious enough to require a substantial overnight operation.
By 2.12am (1 April), the fire response was scaled back to three fire engines. By 3.08am, crews were using a hosereel jet and a thermal imaging camera to check for lingering hot spots. All firefighting operations were completed by 5.43am, though fire crews have planned a reinspection of the building today to ensure full safety.
Arson Arrest Made
In an update on Monday, Sussex Police confirmed that a 24-year-old man from Eastbourne has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire.
The blaze is believed to have broken out on the top floor of the disused commercial premises. Police made the arrest shortly after the fire was reported, and the suspect remains in custody as of this morning.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the incident.
Members of the public with any information are urged to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference 1454 of 31/03.
