Main disruption in Brighton as resort blaze battle enters third day
Firefighters’ battle with a blaze at an historic Brighton resort enters its third day this morning (Monday, July 17). Fire crews are nonetheless making an attempt to extinguish the fireplace – however plans to demolish the constructing are additionally being thought-about.
High winds have hampered efforts to place out the fireplace on the Royal Albion Hotel, after crews have been known as to the scene at about 5.30pm on Saturday. On Sunday evening, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) mentioned the incident was ongoing – and that they anticipated to stay on scene by way of the night.
A variety of roads round Brighton will stay in place in a single day the fireplace service has mentioned. Fortunately, there are nonetheless no reviews of casualties.
The Old Steine and a part of Kings Road have been closed, with folks suggested to keep away from the realm as a consequence of “significant smoke”. Firefighters have scaled again to 6 engines and two aerial ladders since 2.19pm, and prompt commander Chris Baker mentioned crews have been “focusing their efforts on extinguishing the fire in the west wing” of the resort.
A ‘Plan B’ of demolishing the constructing can be being thought-about however was not anticipated to happen in a single day, it goes forward. Speaking on Sunday evening, an ESFRS spokesperson mentioned: “The incident is ongoing. Firefighters are using ground monitors, main jets and an ariel ladder platform to firefight.
“We count on to stay on scene by way of the night. Please keep away from the realm and maintain home windows and doorways closed.
“There are still no reports of casualties. An investigation is underway, but is not expected to conclude for some time.
“We proceed to obtain important assist from Sussex Police, Ambulance companies, Southern Water, Building Control and BHCC Emergency planning.”
Of the roughly 100 folks evacuated from the encircling space, it’s believed they’ve both discovered one other place to remain or are being supported by the council to discover a short-term different. It is known the resort has discovered different lodging for all its visitors.
Councillor Bella Sankey, chief of Brighton & Hove City Council, mentioned: “These are very sad scenes in our city. 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 resort, which overlooks Brighton Pier, was inbuilt 1826. It is run by Britannia Hotels. Part of the constructing was Grade II* listed by English Heritage and suffered a earlier hearth in November 1998.