Crews deal with major fire in disused convent in St Leonards

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is attending a fire at a property on Magdalen Road in St Leonards on Sea this evening.

The building - known locally as The Old Convent - is a disused school/college.

The first call came in at 5.03pm on 9 July 2026 and Joint Fire Control have received multiple repeat calls.

Roads have been closed in the area as six fire engines were sent to the scene, along with a water carrier and officers.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have been tackling a fire on the third floor, believed to have previously been used as living accommodation.

There are no reports of injuries.

Local residents have been told to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.

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.'

Police and UK Power Networks are also in attendance.

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