Response to fire at former convent in St Leonards 'scaled back'
The fire has been brought under control
The response to a large fire at a former convent in St Leonards has been scaled down from a major emergency response.
Initially, eight fire engines along with relief crews attended the scene on Magdalen Road overnight.
As of 5.50am on 10th July, the operation was reduced to a single fire engine, with crews continuing to monitor and damp down hotspots.
The fire broke out on 9th July 2026, with the first emergency call received at 5.03pm.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue advised nearby residents to close doors and windows due to heavy smoke.
Six fire engines initially attended the scene, tackling the fire on the third floor with main jets.
No injuries have been reported.
The fire service confirmed the building was previously used for educational purposes as College Of The Holy Child Jesus and efforts to control the fire continued late into the evening.
Police and UK Power Networks also attended the incident alongside firefighting efforts.
The response was eventually scaled down to four fire engines at 7.40pm and later to three engines at 9.00pm.
By midnight, the incident was reduced to two fire engines, with teams remaining on site overnight.
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore has been at the scene this evening to speak to fire crews.
Hastings Borough Council describes the former Convent site on its website as privately owned and 'unsafe.'
A previous post explains: 'The buildings are in a dangerous condition, and the site contains hazardous materials, including asbestos.'