Worthing hotel director speaks out after fire incident

The director of a Worthing hotel, which was evacuated following a fire, has thanked the emergency services.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ardington Hotel in Steyne Gardens was evacuated after a fire broke out this morning (Monday, November 1).

Firefighters were called to the scene just after 6.10am.

Upon arrival, crews found a fire involving the air conditioning unit and the hotel staff had carried out a full evacuation of the premises.

Upon arrival, crews found a fire involving the air conditioning unit and the hotel staff had carried out a full evacuation of the premises. Photo: Eddie MitchellUpon arrival, crews found a fire involving the air conditioning unit and the hotel staff had carried out a full evacuation of the premises. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
Upon arrival, crews found a fire involving the air conditioning unit and the hotel staff had carried out a full evacuation of the premises. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hotel director Simon Margaroli has revealed the fire was caused by a 'small electrical equipment fault', located outside the hotel building.

He said the unit 'unfortunately caught alight' and the smoke was 'drawn into the kitchen through an intake fan located nearby'.

"The whole matter was dealt with very quickly and efficiently by the fire brigade for whom we are immensely grateful," he added.

"All the guests reacted quickly and calmly to the alarms and evacuated the building within minutes ably managed by the night manager.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The operation of the kitchen was not affected, breakfast was still served at 7am as usual."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said crews used one jet and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

“There were no casualties and crews left the scene at 7.02am," a spokesperson added.

Click here to see more pictures from the scene