Emergency services are responding to a fire at the Imperial Hotel on First Avenue, Hove, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon (23 December 2025).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service received repeat calls at 3.11pm reporting smoke on the fourth floor. By 3.45pm, crews confirmed a fire in a room on the fourth floor, tackling it with one main jet, six breathing apparatus, and an aerial ladder platform.
Due to the hotel’s high-rise status, multiple fire engines were deployed by Joint Fire Control, with police and ambulance services also attending.
Guests and staff were evacuated safely, and while no initial casualties were reported, one person has since received treatment for injuries at the scene.
As of 5pm, firefighters remain at the scene, cutting away and damping down to fully extinguish the blaze.
The public is urged to avoid the area while emergency services continue their work.
Brighton and Hove City Council was asked by Sussex News if this property is used to house Asylum Seekers.
The Council declined to answer this question, but did say that Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident on Christmas Eve Eve. We are working closely with our partners to provide the support people need as quickly as possible. Together, our immediate priority is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”
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