Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton has been evacuated because of a fire.
A gas cylinder caught light at about 8.30am.
Hundreds of people were evacuated and filled the seafront pavements as fire safety officers tried to account for everyone.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent two engines from Preston Circus and one from Hove as well as an incident command vehicle.
Buses were backed up along Western Road and North Street.
Sussex Police closed a number of surrounding streets including West Street, Cannon Place and Russell Road.
The fire service said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending an incident in Churchill Square in Brighton.
“Crews were called out at approximately 8.30am on (Tuesday) 15 September 2013 by security to reports of a small gas cylinder which had caught alight in the shopping centre.
“Two appliances are on scene along with a hazmat (hazardous materials) officer.
“The shopping centre has been evacuated and a cordon is being put in place.”
