A fire in the early hours damaged a block of supported housing in Brighton between Western Road and the seafront.
Crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service put out the blaze at Fred Emery Court, a YMCA Brighton supported living block, in Sillwood Street, along the road from the Lion and Lobster pub.
One person suffered smoke inhalation and was treated by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb).
The fire service tweeted at 3.20am: “Firefighters are tackling a fire at Fred Emery Court, Sillwood Street, Brighton.
“Crews from Brighton (Preston Circus), Hove and Bexhill on scene with four pumps.
“Building fully evacuated. One casualty treated for smoke inhalation. Secamb in attendance. Please avoid the area.”
The fire was put out by 4am and crews have since left the street.
The YMCA Brighton has a description of Fred Emery Court on its website: “We offer supported housing to 31 people in studio flats based in the centre of Brighton.
“There are a number of accessible flats for people with mobility impairments.
“All referrals are made through Brighton and Hove City Council.
“We are unable to offer permanent accommodation. This accommodation is aimed at helping you to get ready for moving to greater independence.”
So why are they living there when there’s a shortage of places for locals?
What makes you think they are not locals?
Why was a fire engine from Bexhill sent when there are about half a dozen nearer fire stations?
Maybe classed as not too important ??
Maybe they were already deployed, and also it is good practice to deploy from two stations in case one unit gets stuck in traffic, etc.
In my experience, residents in supported accommodations quite regularly flout fire safety rules, which are more stringent, compared to a personal house. I can certainly see how the higher risk of this happening occurs.