Firefighters were tackling a blaze this afternoon in the roof of an old children’s home in Brighton – now used as flats.
Four fire engines were sent to The Residence – formerly St Gabriel’s – at 18 Wellington Road, just off Elm Grove, in Brighton, at just after 1.30pm today (Sunday 8 September).
The building was evacuated and everyone was accounted for, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.
The cause of the fire will be investigated.
The building – next to the new block of council flats known as Balchin Court – is one of the only surviving 1850s villas in the street.
The fire service said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews are at a fire on Wellington Road in Brighton.
“We were called today at 1.33pm to reports of a roof fire.
“Four fire engines were sent at the start of the incident.
“As of 2.20pm, one was being “released” – and three fire engines will remain at the scene.
“All persons have been accounted for.
“A fire investigation will be carried out in due course.”
This news report is inaccurate. The fire happened in the roof of The Residence, which sits between St. Gabriel’s and Balchin Court. It is a completely different building from St. Gabriel’s, which has recently been sensitively restored and extended prior to being repurposed as supported living accommodation for people living with brain injury and learning disabilities. The fire at The Residence was rapidly and professionally contained and damage appears to be minimal.
I might also add that St. Gabriel’s is by no means the only 1850s villa remaining in Wellington Road. I can count at least 11.