Spate of devastating fires in Sussex since Royal Albion Hotel fire

Sussex has seen a series of large fires, including at a Harvester restaurant, small business estate, a block of flats and a primary school.

The Royal Albion Hotel on Brighton seafront went up in flames exactly a month ago today.

Smoke billowed across the city as firefighters from all over the South East battled the huge blaze on what was a windy Saturday evening.

Smoke billows across Brighton on the day of the Royal Albion Hotel fire (Image: The Argus)

The month following the fire has seen the charred remains of the Grade II* building slowly knocked down by demolition crews.

There have been a series of dramatic fires since then.

Classrooms in Carden Primary School, Patcham, were destroyed in a suspected arson attack last Monday, August 7. A shed is believed to have been set on fire.

Two boys, aged 13 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of arson.

A shed next to Carden Primary School was set alight (Image: Ellie Hughes)

Alistair McNair, chairman of the governors, said: “It was severe, and will take time and effort to get over, but fortunately the fire was localised. It is still being investigated.  One classroom at least was severely damaged.

“I'd like to thank the fire and police services for their quick action and especially residents for their quick reporting of the fire. It could have been so much worse, and it is clearly a relief that no one was hurt.”

Last Tuesday, August 8, at least six fire engines attended a blaze in a council flat block in Clarendon Road, Hove.

One person was cared for by ambulance crews for smoke inhalation.

Fire engines outside Clarendon House (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was out just after 2pm.

Last Thursday, August 10, a Harvester restaurant in Littlehampton was destroyed in a huge fire.

Smoke could be seen for miles as the fire engulfed the building.

Twelve fire engines battled the fire which lasted all morning and into the afternoon.

The huge fire at Harvester in Littlehampton (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The fire started in the kitchen just before 9am before spreading to the roof of the restaurant.

Later on the same day over in Hastings, firefighters were called to a small business estate where a business went up in flames.

Eight fire engines attended the large blaze.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said there were no reports of injuries.