St Leonards businesses praised for response to seafront fire

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) sent almost 70 firefighters to St Leonards seafront after a fire broke out in a flat just after 7am on Wednesday (January 20).

At the height of the blaze, 14 fire engines were at the scene and were supported by Sussex Police and the ambulance service, along with local authority and building management.

Nobody was injured in the incident, emergency services confirmed.

Residents living in the block were evacuated, with a number of them being accommodated by staff at the Royal Victoria Hotel, who provided them with drinks and lunch.

Staff at the Azur also provided the attending emergency services with tea and coffee throughout the day.

On Wednesday evening (January 20), council leader Kim Forward praised both businesses and the emergency services for their ‘rapid response’.

She said: “Although obviously very distressing for the Marine Court residents, today’s fire could have been so much worse. Fortunately no-one was hurt, and we are very grateful for the rapid response of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the other emergency services. Their prompt action prevented a much more serious incident.

“We would also like to thank the staff at the Royal Victoria Hotel who accommodated a number of evacuated residents and provided drinks and lunch. Further thanks goes to the staff at Azur who provided all the emergency services with endless tea and coffee throughout the day.”

The A259 at Eversfield Place was also closed both ways between Burton Way and Warrior Square as a result.

A detour was put into in operation for Stagecoach bus routes 98 and 99 as emergency services dealt with the incident.