Firefighters praised for bravery by the Mayor of Eastbourne

The Mayor of Eastbourne has hailed firefighters as ‘local heroes’ for tackling the blaze which ripped through the Claremont Hotel on the seafront.

The Mayor, Councillor Steve Wallis, recently visited members of Eastbourne Fire Station’s Red Watch – who were on duty when the fire broke out – to pay tribute to their bravery.

Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines attended the hotel last November after flames spread rapidly through the Grade II listed structure.

Cllr Wallis said: “I met with our Eastbourne firefighters to convey thanks, both personally and on behalf of the town, for their fortitude and courage on that day.

“It is astounding that they managed to contain the fire to the Claremont without it spreading to nearby buildings. These men and women are local heroes in the eyes of Eastbourne residents.”

The Claremont Hotel has since been cordoned off to the public and a planning application has been submitted to demolish the majority of the fire-ravaged building while retaining part of the front façade.

The Mayor also condemned an attack on Eastbourne firefighters who were responding to a fire in Shinewater Park during an evening in December.

“Every day these firefighters risk their lives to keep us safe and it is abhorrent that they should experience violence in carrying out their duties,” he added. “This attack is entirely at odds with the high esteem we have for our firefighters in Eastbourne.”

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