A fire that destroyed a large section of the Royal Albion Hotel was caused by a discarded cigarette,

Fire crews from across Sussex were called to the scene on July 15 after a fire erupted at the Grade II listed hotel on Brighton seafront.

The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the hotel’s western side and soon spread, billowing smoke across the city centre.

Police closed off the Old Steine and part of the A259 King’s Road to traffic due to health and safety concerns, with fears that the building could collapse.

The Argus: Flames ripped through bedrooms at the Grade II listed hotelFlames ripped through bedrooms at the Grade II listed hotel (Image: The Argus)

Hundreds gathered along the seafront and promenade in shock and sadness as the fire ripped through the building.

As fire crews worked to tackle the blaze amid high winds, part of the roof of the historic hotel collapsed.

The Fire Brigades Union claimed firefighters worked 13-hour shifts and were forced to urinate in buckets as they fought to extinguish the blaze.

Residents in nearby flats were forced to leave their homes due to the fire, with some still not able to return several months on from the blaze.

Demolition work began five days after the fire, with work still continuing at the site.

An investigation by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has concluded that the fire was “accidental” and said the blaze was likely caused by a discarded cigarette.

The fire service has urged businesses to ensure they have up to date fire risk assessments.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service can confirm the fire at the Albion Hotel in Brighton on 15 July 2023 was accidental.

“A fire investigation has concluded that it was likely started by a discarded cigarette which had not been completely put out.

“Businesses are reminded to ensure they have up to date fire risk assessments.”

The fire was not the first to befall the hotel, with another blaze in 1998 causing severe damage to the building.

Around 160 firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze, which had been caused after hot fat split from a pan in a kitchen which caught light and was sucked up into a vent to the top floor.