"We were called at 8.52 this morning [08:52 GMT], 22 November 2019 to reports of a fire in a basement at The Claremont hotel. The hotel has been evacuated and everyone has been accounted for. There are no reports of injuries", the service said.
According to the statement, twelve fire engines have been dispatched at the scene and are currently using breathing apparatus and main jets to tackle the "serious fire".
Eastbourne Fire still raging @EastSussexFRS @Sussex_Fire_999 @WestSussexFire @bbcsoutheast @Eastbournenews @brightonargus @BBCSussex pic.twitter.com/6NjmDufc8f
— eddie mitchell (@brightonsnapper) November 22, 2019
The statement advised people to avoid the Eastbourne seafront. Nearby roads reportedly remain closed, and local media say that residents have been asked to keep their doors and windows closed.
Fire at Claremont Hotel #Eastbourne pic.twitter.com/etncktI1lZ
— David (@David19921905) November 22, 2019
Photo- and video- footage from the scene show the hotel's roof engulfed in a massive dark-grey smoke and blaze.
Claremont hotel in Eastbourne currently on fire please avoid the area pic.twitter.com/6qkL5T8Rah
— Pete Abel (@pete_Abel) November 22, 2019
Emergency services doing a brilliant job in challenging circumstances at the Claremont Hotel fire in Eastbourne. They really don’t get enough credit pic.twitter.com/FdakkmPs6A
— Matt Kuchta (@Matt_Kuchta) November 22, 2019
Eastbourne is a popular leisure destination thanks to its beaches and well-developed hospitality infrastructure. The Claremont hotel is located right on the seafront in line with a dozen other hotels.
