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11pm UPDATE: Firefighters will be battling the blaze at the Royal Albion Hill throughout the night, the fire service says.
Strong winds are creating difficult conditions for fire crews, who have been on the scene since about 5.30pm this afternoon.
Onlookers are reporting the roof of the building has now collapsed, with flames now visible from the first floor.
The winds are also blowing smoke over a large area of the city, with residents advised to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
As well as guests at the hotel itself, nearby residents have been evacuated and are being accommodated at a rest centre set up by Brighton and Hove City Council.
However, as of 11pm, there were still no reported casualties.
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.
At 8.20pm, it said it was continuing to fight the flames, but confirmed there are no reports of injuries.
It has advised people to close windows and doors and to avoid the area.
An incident commmand centre has been set up at the scene.
Police have closed the Old Steine and part of King’s Road while the incident is ongoing.
The video above was shot by Sam Donovan from Brighton Palace Pier.
Albion hotel in brighton is on fire pic.twitter.com/fY5NybkJFU
— Jack Bell (@Bell_Jack_16) July 15, 2023
In a statement, the fire service said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been called to a fire in Old Steine, Brighton.
“Firefighters from Preston Circus, Newhaven, Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Pevensey and appliances from West Sussex were called out at 5.24pm on (Saturday) 15 July to reports of smoke.
“Four breathing apparatus wearers are using two main jets and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish the fire.
“The Old Steine and part of King’s Road have been closed while the incident is ongoing.
“We are asking the public to please avoid the area and find alternative routes of travel.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
At 11pm, the fire service released an updated statement which said: “High winds are creating difficult conditions for fire crews and firefighters are expected to continue dealing with the fire through the night.
“As a precaution East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service working alongside Sussex Police have evacuated surrounding buildings.
“We are aware of significant smoke in the area which is being made worse by wind. We strongly advise to avoid the area.
“There are still no reports of casualties at this time.”
The video above was shot by Rahul from Marine Parade.
We are supporting the fire service at the Royal Albion Hotel in Old Steine in Brighton.
The Old Steine and part of Kings Road have been closed while the incident is ongoing.
We are asking the public to please avoid the area. Thank you for your patience and understanding. pic.twitter.com/jXApjXleug
— Sussex Police (@sussex_police) July 15, 2023
⚠️ Apologies but due to an incident at the Pier Roundabout we are currently unable to serve the Old Steine or North Street
Please see https://t.co/CWJ9bwj3Cg for the latest updates ⚠️
— B&H Buses (@BrightonHoveBus) July 15, 2023
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Councillor Bella Sankey 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.
“Thank you as well to all those who helped evacuate people from the hotel and the surrounding area.
“We urge everyone to continue following advice from emergency services and to please keep away from the area.”
The hotel previously suffered serious fire damage in 1998 after a fire started in the kitchen where a chef was frying sausages.
About 160 firefighters from across the county spent all day tackling the flames. The hotel’s 160 guests were all evacuated safely.
Another fire in 2017, which caused less damage, was believed to have been started deliberately.
The hotel was built in the 1820s, designed by Brighton architect Amon Henry Wilds. A five storey extension was added in the 1840s, when it was first called the Albion Hotel.
It fell into disrepair and was closed in 1900, but restored and reopened in 1913. In 1963, it was linked to the neighbouring Adelphi Hotel.
