Closures in place overnight as high winds hamper fire crews tackling fire at Brighton hotel
High winds have been hampering firefighters as they try to tackle a blaze at a Brighton hotel.
Last updated 16th Jul 2023
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has said that road closures will be in place overnight along Kings Road from West Street along to Steine Street and the Old Steine.
The high winds have made for 'difficult conditions' and has seen them evacuate people from buildings near the Royal Albion Hotel.
People have been advised to stay away from the area keep windows and doors closed due to "significant smoke" which was being made worse by wind.
Fifteen appliances have been at the scene which was first reported just before 5.30pm on Saturday.
At 5am on Sunday, the fire service said it was "scaling back operations" but six appliances and two aerial ladder platforms remain on the scene.
Brighton & Hove City Council opened a rest centre to provide support for people evacuated from their homes.
Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of the council, said: "These are very sad scenes in our city this evening.
"On behalf of the city council I want to give my thanks to the emergency services for attending the fire at the historic Royal Albion Hotel in the heart of our city.
"We urge everyone to continue following advice from emergency services and to please keep away from the area."
The 219-bedroom regency-style hotel, which overlooks Brighton Pier, was built in 1826. It is run by Britannia Hotels.
Part of the building was Grade II* listed by English Heritage and suffered a previous fire in November 1998.