Emergency services were called to a fire at the Imperial Hotel on First Avenue, Hove, on Tuesday afternoon (23 December 2025).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it received repeat calls at 3.11pm reporting smoke on the fourth floor of the hotel. Crews attended the scene and by 3.45pm confirmed there was a fire in a room on the fourth floor.
Firefighters tackled the blaze using one main jet, breathing apparatus and an aerial ladder platform. Due to the building being a high-rise, Joint Fire Control deployed multiple fire engines to the incident.
Guests and staff were evacuated from the hotel as a precaution. Fire crews confirmed that no casualties have been reported.
Police and ambulance services were also alerted and attended the scene to support the response.
An East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said members of the public should avoid the area while crews continue to deal with the incident.
UPDATE: As of 4.15pm, firefighters were using six breathing apparatus, with crews cutting away and damping down to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.
Further updates are expected.
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