East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been called to a fire on Old Steine, Brighton.
Firefighters from Preston Circus, Newhaven, Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Pevensey and appliances from West Sussex were called out at 17:24 on 15/07/2023 to reports of smoke.
Four breathing apparatus wearers are using two main jets and an Arial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire.
The Old Steine and part of Kings Road have been closed while the incident is ongoing.
We are asking the public to please avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
An update will appear on our website at 19:30.
UPDATE 19:30
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service remains at the scene of a now 15 appliance fire in Brighton.
Crews are using a High Volume Pump and three Arial Ladder Platforms.
An Incident Command Centre has been set up at the scene.
We are working with other emergency services and agencies including Sussex Police, The Environment Agency and Water Board.
Locals being advised to avoid the area where possible.
A further update will appear on our website at 20:30
Update 20:30
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 Arial 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 Arial 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.
Update 05:00 16/07/2023
Six appliances, two Arial Ladder Platforms remain on scene.
Update 10:30 16/07/2023
Firefighters remain on scene using Arial Ladder Platforms and ground monitors to tackle the fire.
Update 17:00 16/07/2023
Six fire appliances and two Arial Ladder Platforms remain on the scene. Firefighters are concentrating their efforts on extinguishing the fire on the west wing of the building.
Road closures are currently being reviewed.
Update 20:00 16/07/2023
The incident is ongoing, firefighters are using ground monitors, main jets and an arial ladder platform to firefight. We expect to remain on scene through the evening.
Road closures are in place along Kings Road from West Street along to Steine Street and the Old Steine. Closures will be in place overnight.
Please stay away from the area and keep windows and doors closed.
There are still no reports of casualties.
We continue to receive significant support from Sussex Police, Southern Water, Building Control, BHCC Emergency planning and HART team are on scene while fire fighters are committed to ensuring the scene is managed.
Update 08:00 17/07/2023
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are beginning to scale back operations. Three appliances remain on scene, crews are monitoring hot spots and a fire break.
Police are also still in attendance.
There are still no reports of casualties, an investigation is underway, but is not expected to conclude for some time.
Update 12:40 17/07/2023
A Multi agency statement (Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Brighton and Hove City Council) can be found here: