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Claremont Hotel fire: Fears over stability of building | Claremont Hotel fire: Fears over stability of building |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Fire crews remain at the scene of a Victorian seafront hotel destroyed by a huge blaze amid concerns over the stability of the building. | Fire crews remain at the scene of a Victorian seafront hotel destroyed by a huge blaze amid concerns over the stability of the building. |
Eastbourne's Grade II* listed Claremont Hotel became engulfed in flames after a fire began in its basement on Friday. | Eastbourne's Grade II* listed Claremont Hotel became engulfed in flames after a fire began in its basement on Friday. |
East Sussex Fire and Rescue said it had been very badly damaged and measures were in place "should it collapse". | East Sussex Fire and Rescue said it had been very badly damaged and measures were in place "should it collapse". |
The gas supply was also being closely monitored as efforts continued to isolate it, the fire service said. | The gas supply was also being closely monitored as efforts continued to isolate it, the fire service said. |
About 60 firefighters and 12 engines were sent to the scene at the height of the blaze, which broke out at about 08:50 GMT as most guests were having breakfast. | About 60 firefighters and 12 engines were sent to the scene at the height of the blaze, which broke out at about 08:50 GMT as most guests were having breakfast. |
All those in the Claremont, which was evacuated along with neighbouring hotels, were accounted for. | All those in the Claremont, which was evacuated along with neighbouring hotels, were accounted for. |
Six people were treated for minor injuries, with one taken to hospital suffering from breathing difficulties. | Six people were treated for minor injuries, with one taken to hospital suffering from breathing difficulties. |
The flames quickly spread from the basement of the Claremont to the upper floors, and could be seen coming out of windows and the roof. | The flames quickly spread from the basement of the Claremont to the upper floors, and could be seen coming out of windows and the roof. |
Water was taken from the sea to help tackle the blaze, which was brought under control within five hours. | Water was taken from the sea to help tackle the blaze, which was brought under control within five hours. |
The owners of the hotel, Daish's Holidays, said the "significant damage" to the hotel, which dates back to the 1850s, was "devastating". | The owners of the hotel, Daish's Holidays, said the "significant damage" to the hotel, which dates back to the 1850s, was "devastating". |
The company said 130 guests and staff members had been in the building when the fire broke out. | The company said 130 guests and staff members had been in the building when the fire broke out. |
Return travel home was arranged for all the guests, while Eastbourne Borough Council provided accommodation for people from neighbouring properties who needed somewhere to stay. | Return travel home was arranged for all the guests, while Eastbourne Borough Council provided accommodation for people from neighbouring properties who needed somewhere to stay. |
George Brown, group managing director of the holiday firm, said practical advice and support would be offered to customers on matters such as lost personal items. | |
He added that staff would continue to be paid in the short term, and ways to redeploy them in other roles within the group were being looked at. | |
One fire engine and a control unit remained at the scene on Saturday afternoon and cordons were still in place. | |
Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. | Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk. |