STAFF AT FIRE-HIT SEAFRONT HOTEL PRAISED AFTER EVACUATION
Local residents have been advised to avoid the area
Staff at a burning seafront hotel have been praised for their swift actions in getting everyone out quickly.
The fire, which broke out on Friday morning at a Victorian hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex, is now under control.
At the height of the blaze, 12 fire engines were battling the flames at the Claremont hotel.
Six people were treated for minor injuries and one person was taken to Eastbourne Hospital with breathing difficulties, the ambulance service said.
Nearby residents have been warned by the fire service to keep doors and windows closed.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 8.52am to reports of a fire in the hotel's basement.
The hotel was evacuated safely and everyone has been accounted for, the fire service confirmed.
Sea water has been pumped from the beach to be used by firefighters tackling the blaze.
Incident commander and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Andrews said: "The fire spread from the basement through to the upper floors.
"There is considerable smoke in the area and we are advising people to keep doors and windows closed.
"We will now work to ensure that the fire is completely put out.
Published: by Radio NewsHub