Hastings Old Town fire: Latest on road closures

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) said firefighters were called to the scene in George Street just after 7.15pm yesterday.

The three-storey building used to operate as an amusement arcade and once housed a nightclub.

Just before 9.30pm yesterday, 10 pumps, five officers, one command unit and one aerial ladder platform were being used to tackle the fire, ESFRS said.

At 6am this morning (Thursday, January 19) the service said the incident had been scaled down and just two pumps were on the scene dampening down any hot spots.

An ESFRS spokesperson said today: “The building has been seriously affected. There are no reports of injuries. We would like to thank locals for their patience. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

"Crews remain at the scene but are due to leave this evening. Highways will be blocking off the area. The cause of the fire will be investigated.

“On Friday (January 20) our East Fire Safety Team will be visiting commercial premises in Hastings Old Town (Marine Parade and Pelham Place area), aiming to begin at 9.30am until around 12.30pm, handing out the fire safety leaflets for businesses and talking to local business owners.”

The A259 on Hastings seafront was closed as a result of last night’s incident.

But in a tweet, Hastings Borough Council said at 11.40am today the seafront has now reopened to traffic in both directions.

The building was sold for redevelopment into 20 flats in November last year.

Major fire breaks out in Hastings Old Town

PICTURES: Major fire at former amusement arcade in Hastings