Around 30 people were evacuated from their homes and a police major incident declared after fire broke out at a derelict seaside hotel.
The fire at the four-story Cedars Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, began shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday, police said.
A rest centre has been set up for people moved from homes close to the hotel on Mount Wise, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
A spokesman said the force had declared the fire a major incident.
"At this time the fire is still burning and the hotel has been evacuated," he said on Wednesday evening.
"A number of local residents surrounding the hotel have been evacuated as a precaution.
"The Cornwall Council emergency planning officer has opened a local rest centre for approximately 30 displaced residents.
"At this time there have been no reports of any injuries."
Cornwall Fire and Rescue service said it had six pumps, an aerial ladder and other vehicles at the scene.
Local reports have suggested the building is due to be demolished and replaced by a £3 million housing development.
Director Richard Pearce, 29, told the paper: "It (the site) is just a mess. There has been fly-tipping.
"There is obvious evidence of drug abuse inside.
"We want to get the whole thing flattened so we can start again, realistically within eight weeks."
A fire service spokesman said tonight: "Six pumping appliances, an aerial ladder platform and ancillary vehicles are currently on scene and dealing with a four storey derelict building that is on fire in the Mount Wise area.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using four main jets are working hard to extinguish the fire."