Emergency services are responding to a fire that broke out at The Royal Albion Hotel in central Brighton, Saturday 15 July.
The hotel has been evacuated and accommodation is being arranged for the guests.
The council has opened a rest centre tonight at the Brighton Centre and is providing support for evacuated nearby residents. There are no reports of injuries. At 7.30pm, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) said the number of crews on the scene had increased from 12 to 15, usung a high volume pump and three aerial ladder platforms.
The Old Steine, Kings Road and the surrounding area have been closed and people are advised to stay away from the area.
Council Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey said: “These are very sad scenes in our city this evening.
The 219-bedroom regency-style hotel, which overlooks Brighton Pier, was built in 1826. It is run by Britannia Hotels.
Part of the building was heritage listed and previously damaged by fire in November 1998.
Bella Sankey, leader of the council, said: “These are very sad scenes in our city this evening.
People to be told to stay away from the area around the Old Steine thoroughfare in the city, with residents advised to keep windows closed as the smoke poured out of the third floor of the building.
“On behalf of the city council I want to give my thanks to the emergency services for attending the fire at the historic Royal Albion Hotel in the heart of our city.
“We urge everyone to continue following advice from emergency services and to please keep away from the area.”
Authorities said nobody has been injured, but "difficult conditions" forced them to evacuate people from buildings near the hotel. Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of the council, said: “These are very sad scenes in our city this evening.
“On behalf of the city council I want to give my thanks to the emergency services for attending the fire at the historic Royal Albion Hotel in the heart of our city.
“We are working with other emergency services and agencies including Sussex police, the Environment Agency and Water Board. Locals are being advised to avoid the area where possible," a spokesperson for the ESFR said.
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