At least 10 fire engines turned out to tackle a blaze at a block of flats in Hollingdean this evening.
The fire was reported at about 6.20pm today (Tuesday 3 October).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said shortly before 7pm that fire crews were still unsure whether everyone had been accounted for at the building in Saunders Park View, just off Lewes Road.
But by 9pm, the housing and homelessness charity BHT Sussex, which owns the block, said that the fire was out and everyone was safe.
Residents were unable to return to their homes and were being looked after in a local church hall.
Five people may need to be rehoused.
BHT Sussex is believed to be liaising with Brighton and Hove City Council and the charity’s chief executive David Chaffey was understood to be at the scene.
The fire started in a top-floor flat although the cause is not yet known, with an investigation under way.
Earlier, the fire service said: “As a precaution we are advising local residents to please close windows and doors. Please avoid the area.”
Two fire engines from Preston Circus, Brighton, were sent to the flats along with the aerial ladder platform.
Crews were also sent from Roedean, in Brighton, and from Hove, as well as from Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford and Eastbourne.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent fire engines from Shoreham, Worthing and Burgess Hill.
The police and ambulance service were also in attendance and the nearby A270 Lewes Road, in Brighton, was closed.
The flats are named after Richard Allen, the former secretary of Brighton Housing Trust which has since been renamed BHT Sussex.
What a terrible shame. Well done to the fire fighting crews.
Well done the folks also that looked after the people affected. One of the helpers was the Brownie leader who had been meeting in the hall. Well done all.
They are not fire engines, they are appliances
The technical term is nee naws you uncultured swine. And they are driven by professional water fairies.