Full Breakdown
Waitrose Hove Warehouse Fire Prompts Multi-Agency Response
6/16/2026, 10:19:00 PM
Fire Breaks Out at Waitrose Warehouse on Nevill Road
At 03:46 BST, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) received a call about a fire in the warehouse area of a Waitrose supermarket on Nevill Road, Hove, East Sussex. The blaze forced the closure of the store and surrounding roads. No injuries were reported.
Timeline of the Incident
- 03:46 – ESFRS alerted to the fire.
- 08:00 – Update: crews damping hot spots, cutting away and ventilating.
- 09:00 – INRIX recorded both directions of Nevill Road closed with queuing traffic.
- 10:35 – Road reopened; two fire engines remained on site.
Agencies, Resources and Key Figures
Fire appliances from Hove, Preston Circus, Eastbourne, Brighton and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service responded. Initial reports noted at least eight fire engines; ESFRS later confirmed ten engines at the peak, with four remaining later. Police, the South East Coast Ambulance Service and ambulance teams also attended. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, three main jets and positive-pressure ventilation fans.
Official Statements & Responses
ESFRS confirmed the 03:46 call, described the tactics (breathing apparatus, three main jets, damping hot spots, cutting away, ventilating and positive-pressure ventilation), and advised the public to avoid the area. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said it was dispatched following ESFRS’s request. Police confirmed the road closures and managed traffic.
Impact on Traffic and Community
The closure of Nevill Road in both directions caused queuing traffic, as recorded by INRIX. Residents were urged to avoid the area, and the Waitrose store remained closed pending safety assessments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of fire engines: one report cites “at least eight,” while another specifies ten engines at the incident’s peak. The extent of damage to the Waitrose property has not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At 03:46 East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire on Nevill Road, Hove.” — East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
- “Fire Appliances from Hove, Preston Circus and Eastbourne are in attendance with support from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.” — East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
- “Firefighters are wearing breathing apparatus and fighting the fire with three main jets.” — East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
- “The road was closed in both directions with queuing traffic, the traffic monitor INRIX reported just before 09:00.” — INRIX traffic monitor
Outlook and Ongoing Investigation
Nevill Road reopened at 10:35, with two fire engines remaining for final checks. ESFRS said a formal investigation into the fire’s cause is underway, and the Waitrose store will stay closed until safety assessments are completed.
