East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to alerts about a burning odor and loud noises emanating from the kitchens of the Powdermill Hotel on Powdermill Lane, Battle.
By 17:30, rescue teams were on site assessing the situation.
All individuals are safe and have been moved out of the building.
Preliminary findings suggest a minor, unintentional blaze which had been extinguished by the time the crews reached.