East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to keep doors and windows closed and avoid the area as firefighters tackle a serious fire.
The fire started in a basement of the Claremont Hotel on the seafront in Eastbourne.
Twelve fire engines are on the scene along with several officers, aerial ladder platforms and command support units. We have also sent a high volume pump and a specialist fire-fighting foam vehicle from Newhaven.
There are no reports of injuries and everyone was safely evacuated from the hotel.
Advice about smoke
Advice from Public Health England (PHE) recognises that smoke can irritate air passages, the skin and the eyes, leading to coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain.
It can also aggravate asthma, and, in some cases, the acrid smell and air pollution can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness.
PHE usually advises people in areas affected by the smoke to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and check media, social media, local radio and TV stations for advice and information.
In simple terms:
- stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed
- avoid areas affected by any smoke or ash
- limit the time spent in them
In general, exposure to smoke is more likely to affect people who have existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions. The very young and very old, smokers and people with flu or flu-like illnesses may also be at greater risk after exposure to smoke from fires.
To minimise your exposure, limit the amount of time you spend outside in the smoke.
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