Firefighters from Preston Circus and Roedean fire stations in Brighton have been sent to tackle a blaze at a former school in Eastbourne.
The blaze tore through Moira House School which was bought by Roedean in 2018 and closed in 2020.
There were reports a year later that the school building and grounds had been sold to a property developer for £8 million.
The fire service said this evening (Sunday 19 October): “At 5.47pm, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a derelict building fire in Upper Carlisle Road, Eastbourne.
“Appliances including two aerial ladder platforms are in attendance from Eastbourne, Pevensey, Hailsham, Bohemia Road, Seaford, Bexhill, Lewes, Roedean and Preston Circus.
“Firefighters are using jets from the ground and two main jets from the aerial ladder platforms to fight the fire.
“Please avoid the area.
“Those in the surrounding areas please close windows and doors.”
The fire service issued an update at 10pm, saying: “We still have eight fire appliances on scene.
“Firefighters continue to use the main jets and aerial ladder platform to fight the fire.
“We urge you to avoid the area and continue to keep your windows and doors shut.”
