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Attractions industry news

30 Jul 2014

BREAKING: Fire rips through Eastbourne Pier

A fire has engulfed the historic Eastbourne Pier in Sussex, UK.

About 60 firefighters are battling the blaze, which broke out in the arcade building. The Grade II listed pier has been evacuated and there are no reports of any injuries.

An eyewitness told AM2 she had seen the smoke from Brighton 20m (32km) away.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has said in a statement that it is believed the fire started behind some wood panelling.

Mark Sawyer, who is the coxwain of Eastbourne Lifeboat, told the BBC: "The main structure is gone now and it's a metal shell.

"The fire has spread to the middle section and it's burning frantically. There was a large cheer from the crowd when the hoses arrived, but it's now looking ominous."

The 1,000ft (305m) pier was built in the 1870s and designed by Eugenius Birch. According to the Piers Society, previously had a theatre and a "camera obscura" built on it, while today, a number of cafes, bars and a nightclub are situated on the pier.

The blaze is the latest in a series of catastrophes for Britain's seaside attractions. Hastings Pier was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 2010, Weston-super-Mare Pier burned down in 2008 and West Pier in Brighton burned down in 2003.

Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Alliance exclusively to AM2 Kurt Janson, policy director, said: "We feel for Eastbourne especially during their busiest part of the year as it's certainly going to have a big impact on tourism for them.

"Still, Eastbourne has a lot of great attractions which will hopefully be able to maintain the town and its visitor numbers while they get back into the swing of things."

A police spokeswoman said: "It has been confirmed that the pier was safely and quickly evacuated and there was no-one trapped by the fire when it broke out.

"The fire is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

The general public has also been tweeting about the fire, sharing memories and reflections of the attraction.

@Hayzi_ "Sad to see Eastbourne pier engulfed in flames. Lived a minute walk away at Uni and saw it every day. Good luck firefighters, stay safe."

@MartinGoodman2 "Eastbourne pier: fire crews tackle blaze. Here's hoping much can be salvaged. It's a gem of a pier."

@Gav26: "Can't believe what is happening to Eastbourne Pier, I was only on there Saturday buying sweets. Devastated #eastbournepier"

@sjbland_ "Genuinely gutted about the Eastbourne pier."

@Polly_Evans "Eastbourne Pier considered one of the nicest in Britain & one of the last surviving by Victorian designer Eugenius Birch..."