Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a derelict building in Eastbourne, with emergency services urging people to avoid the area.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of the fire in Ashburnham Road at around 4.55pm on Thursday, 12 March.
Crews arrived to find the first floor and roof space of the building well alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been working to bring the flames under control using a main jet and firefighting foam.
As of 5.40pm, six fire appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform remained at the scene as crews continued their efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Emergency services have asked members of the public to stay away from the area while operations continue. The road has been closed to allow firefighters to work safely, with Sussex Police assisting by managing traffic around the scene.
Residents living nearby have also been advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke coming from the building.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue on X said:
UPDATE 1800: Derelict building fire in Ashburnham Road, Eastbourne, has now been escalated to six appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform. Please continue to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed of nearby properties while crews work. Thank you for your co-operation. pic.twitter.com/dLvv829R8m
— East Sussex FRS (@EastSussexFRS) March 12, 2026
A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were using firefighting foam and a main jet to tackle the flames affecting the upper levels of the building.
Emergency services have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and it is not known how long crews will remain at the scene.
Firefighters are expected to continue working into the evening as they damp down hotspots and make the building safe.
Anyone travelling through the area is being advised to plan alternative routes while the incident remains ongoing.
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