By Richard James
This afternoon, the iconic Grand Hotel on Brighton’s seafront was evacuated following reports of smoke and a burning smell. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 1st September, led to a temporary loss of electrical power across a significant portion of the hotel. Fortunately, guests were allowed to return after the situation was brought under control.
The alarm was raised at 1:55 PM, prompting a swift response from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were dispatched to the scene on King’s Road. Firefighters focused their efforts on the sixth floor, where the strong smell of burning was detected. Crews efficiently dealt with the situation, ensuring that everyone in the hotel was safe.
While the firefighters worked inside, hotel staff demonstrated their hospitality by providing parasols and seating for the evacuated guests, offering some comfort on a particularly warm day with temperatures in the mid-twenties.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed, “All persons accounted for, and crews have left the scene.”
The cause of the smoke remains under investigation, but normal operations at the hotel have since resumed.
