Eastbourne: Investigation launched into derelict building fire

A joint investigation has been launched by Sussex Police and the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) into a serious fire at a derelict building in Eastbourne on the evening of Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Incident Details:-

• Location: A derelict house on the corner of Ashburnham Road and Mill Road.
• Timing: Emergency services were first alerted at 16:55 GMT on 12 March.
• Scale of Response: At its peak, six fire appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform were used to battle the flames, which had taken hold in the first floor and roof space.
• Current Status: The fire has been extinguished. Fire crews remained on-site overnight to damp down the scene and returned for multiple re-inspections to check for "hot spots" throughout Friday morning. 

   

Impact and Investigation:-

• Structural Damage: The building has been severely damaged and remains at risk of collapse.
• Public Safety: Residents were initially advised to keep doors and windows closed due to "thick black, acrid smoke". While the road has since reopened, drivers are urged not to slow down to look at the scene.
• Police Appeal: There were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1072 of 12/03.