FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a significant blaze at a derelict property in Ashburnham Road, Eastbourne this evening (12 March).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 4.55pm following reports of a fire inside the vacant building.
When crews arrived, the first floor and roof space were already well alight, prompting a major response from the fire service.
By 5.40pm, four fire engines and an Aerial Ladder Platform were at the scene, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using a main jet and firefighting foam in efforts to bring the fire under control.
Sussex Police are assisting at the scene with traffic management, while emergency services continue to deal with the incident.
Residents living nearby have been urged to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke, and members of the public are being asked to avoid the area while crews work.
In an update at 6pm, the incident was escalated further with six fire engines and the aerial ladder platform now in attendance, as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze.
Emergency services have thanked the public for their cooperation while the operation continues.
