In a shocking incident on the afternoon of 15th July, the Royal Albion Hotel, located near Brighton Palace Pier, was engulfed in flames. The fire, which was initially visible on the fourth floor of the building, rapidly spread to the hotel’s roof.
According to eyewitness accounts, 18 fire appliances were deployed to the scene. This included an aerial appliance and additional units from neighboring counties. The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SEACAB) also dispatched an incident response unit to provide immediate assistance.
Due to windy conditions, smoke from the fire spread throughout the area. Local residents and businesses were advised to close their windows and doors to prevent smoke inhalation.
Following an investigation into the incident, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was accidental.
In a statement ESFRS commented on the cause of the blaze: “A fire investigation has concluded that it was likely started by a discarded cigarette which had not been completely put out.”
