Emergency Services Tackle Major Blaze at Seaside Hotel
Fire crews have rushed to the scene of a significant fire at a hotel in the seaside town of Hove, East Sussex. The incident, which began on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, has led to the evacuation of guests and a large-scale emergency response.
Dozens of firefighters from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene working to contain the blaze at the Imperial Hotel. The emergency call was made shortly before 5:52 PM, prompting a swift and substantial deployment of resources.
Public Urged to Stay Clear of the Area
Local authorities have issued a clear instruction for members of the public to stay away from the immediate vicinity of the hotel. This measure is to ensure the safety of the community and to allow emergency crews unimpeded access to deal with the incident.
The primary focus for the 999 crews currently swarming the area is to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading. The cause of the blaze is not yet known, and an investigation is expected to commence once the situation is stabilised.
Evacuation and Ongoing Response
All guests and staff present at the Imperial Hotel at the time the fire broke out have been safely evacuated. There are no immediate reports of serious injuries, though the full accounting of all individuals is ongoing.
The response underscores the critical role of emergency services, particularly during the festive period. Residents in nearby properties are advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to smoke. The scale of the operation indicates this is a serious incident requiring major resources.
The coming hours will be crucial as firefighters work to fully extinguish the fire and make the structure safe. Further updates on the condition of the building and the timeline for the emergency presence are awaited.
