A electric drill battery sparked a fire and the evacuation of homes and shops in North Street this afternoon.
Part of Huntingdon House – including Joe and the Juice, Hotel Chocolat and Scamp and Dude – was cordoned off as firefighters tackled the blaze in the flats above.
One person was treated by paramedics.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 12.58pm on 2 September 2026 to a residential building fire in North Street, Brighton.
“The building was evacuated and three fire engines from Preston Circus and Hove were in attendance.
“The fire was believed to have been caused by a potential fault with a rechargeable battery for an electric hand drill.
“Crews provided assistance to one person who was passed into the care of the ambulance service.”
