Eastbourne Pier has been fully evacuated after a fire broke out at the historic seaside landmark, prompting a major emergency service response.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to the pier at 10.24am on Sunday, 30 August.
Six fire crews were initially deployed to the scene along with an aerial ladder platform and its support pump.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used firefighting foam as crews worked to stop the blaze spreading to other areas of the pier.
The entire pier was evacuated while the emergency response was under way.
Gas and electricity supplies were also isolated as firefighters tackled the incident.
Police were requested to attend and roads immediately surrounding the pier were closed to allow emergency crews to work safely.
Residents and businesses close to the seafront were advised to keep their doors and windows closed, while members of the public were urged to stay away from the area.
By 11.19am, the fire service confirmed that the blaze had been extinguished.
Crews remained at the scene dealing with hot spots and carrying out cutting-away work to ensure the fire had been completely brought under control.
A stop message was received at 12.03pm, allowing the emergency response to begin scaling back.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service subsequently confirmed that the cause of the fire was accidental.
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Eastbourne Pier is one of the best-known landmarks on the south coast and has been part of the town’s seafront for more than 150 years.
The Victorian pier is Grade II* listed and contains a number of businesses and attractions including cafes, shops and entertainment venues.
Sunday’s emergency inevitably attracted particular attention because the structure has previously suffered a devastating fire.
On 30 July 2014, a major blaze destroyed around a third of the pier after fire spread through its arcade building.
Up to 80 firefighters were involved in tackling that incident, which caused extensive damage to the Victorian landmark.
The pier was subsequently repaired and reopened, becoming a major visitor attraction once again.
Today’s fire appears to have been contained considerably more quickly.
The fire service’s confirmation that the incident was accidental also removes the uncertainty surrounding the cause that existed during the initial emergency response.
No serious injuries have been reported by the emergency services in connection with Sunday’s incident at the time of publication.
The extent of any damage to the pier has not yet been detailed publicly.
Visitors are advised to check local information before travelling to the immediate seafront area while the aftermath of the incident is dealt with.
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Sources
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service – Fire at Eastbourne Pier
ITV News Meridian – Eastbourne Pier Evacuated After Fire Breaks Out
