Fire engulfs 400-year-old West Sussex hotel housing Ukrainian refugees
Firefighters have been tackling the blaze in Midhurst
More than 30 people, including a number of Ukrainian refugees, have been evacuated from a hotel in West Sussex after flames ripped through the building in the early hours of this morning (16 March).
The fire was thought to have broken out shortly after 1am at a property on North Street, Midhurst - before spreading to the roof of the 400-year-old Angel Inn next door.
No casualties have been reported and those rescued are now being looked after in a local relief centre.
People living in the area are being told by the fire service to keep their windows closed because of the smoke.
15 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, two water carriers, and an off-road vehicle and responded to the incident.
Area manager for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Richard Abbot, said: "It's too early in the incident to know the cause of the fire but we will be investigating the fire as soon as it's safe to do so."
Local resident Hilton Holloway, who witnessed the fire, said: "There were a number of Ukrainian refugees in the hotel, which had around 15 rooms.
"I spoke to one young woman who seemed relatively calm."
A donation point which has been set up for those who have been affected by the hotel fire has been overwhelmed with clothes and other items.
Officials say they do not need any further donations due to the large amounts received.
Cllr Eileen Lintill, Leader of Chichester District Council said: "This must have been a terrible ordeal for those affected and our thoughts are with them. Our staff are currently doing everything they can to support them.“I would like to thank the fire crews for their exceptional work in safely evacuating the residents from the building, and our staff who quickly organised the rest centre for those who are affected.”
Richard Abbot, Area Manager for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says the building is unstable
The fire service is working with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service alongside Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
In a statement, a spokesperson for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said: "We remain on scene at the fire involving the Angel Hotel, North Street, in Midhurst, and currently have four fire engines in attendance.
"Relief crews have been brought in throughout the day and firefighters have worked hard throughout the day to bring the fire under control and are continuing to extinguish the fire to ensure there are no further pockets of fire.
"We expect to remain on site into this evening and overnight.
"Alternative accommodation has been provided for all of those impacted by the fire, and they are being provided with the necessary support by West Sussex County Council and its partners.
"We are obviously saddened at the loss of such a familiar landmark within the town and what this loss will mean to the local community.
"North Street is anticipated to remain closed to traffic for the time being, with diversions put in place. Drivers are urged to continue to avoid the area where possible and adhere to all road closures if they must travel through it.
"Preliminary investigations suggest that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this fire, but our investigations are ongoing."
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