A fire has engulfed the Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton, with flames visible from a fourth-storey window and thick smoke billowing into the air. The incident has prompted an emergency response from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue service.

According to a spokesperson for the service, firefighters from various stations, including Preston Circus, Newhaven, Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, and Pevensey, were called to the scene on Old Steine, Brighton at 5:24pm on July 15, 2023, following reports of smoke. Ten fire engines, along with special support vehicles such as an Ariel Ladder Platform, a bulk water carrier, and an all-terrain vehicle, were deployed to tackle the blaze.

To combat the fire, four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are utilizing two main jets and an Ariel Ladder Platform. As a result of the ongoing incident, the Old Steine and part of Kings Road have been closed. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel.

At present, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and there have been no reported injuries. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue service is closely monitoring the situation, with an update expected to be provided on their website at 19:30.

This is a developing story, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Update: 1934:

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene of a now 15-appliances fire in Brighton.

Crews are using a High Volume Pump and three Ariel Ladder Platforms.

An Incident Command Centre has been set up at the scene.

Fire crews are working with other emergency services and agencies including Sussex Police, The Environment Agency and Water Board.

Locals are being advised to avoid the area where possible.  

A further update will appear on our website at 20:30

Updare 20:31

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of the fire in Brighton.

Crews are continuing to use the High Volume Pump and three Ariel Ladder Platforms.

There are no reports of injuries.

Locals being advised to avoid the area where possible.  

A further update will appear on our website at 21:30

Update 21:30

Crews are continuing to use the High Volume Pump and three Ariel Ladder Platforms.

There are still no reports of injuries.

We still strongly advise locals to avoid the area and to close windows and doors.   

A further update will appear on our website at 23:00

Update 23:00

High winds are creating difficult conditions for fire crews and firefighters are expected to continue dealing with the fire through the night.

As a precaution East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service working alongside Sussex Police have evacuated surrounding buildings.

We are aware of significant smoke in the area which is being made worse by wind. We strongly advise you to avoid the area.

There are no reports of casualties at this time.