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Historic pier destroyed in fire Historic pier destroyed in fire
(30 minutes later)
An historic Lancashire pier has burned down in a fire during the night.An historic Lancashire pier has burned down in a fire during the night.
Fire crews were called to Fleetwood Pier at about 0430 BST after reports of smoke rising from the roof of the main building. Fire crews were called to the derelict Fleetwood Pier at about 0430 BST after reports of smoke rising from the roof of the main building.
About 80 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which they said was already well alight by the time they arrived. Police reported it was "completely gutted" About 60 firefighters are tackling the blaze, which they said was already well alight by the time they arrived. Police reported it was "completely gutted".
Investigators will look into the fire's cause later but said it was too early to say if it was started deliberately.Investigators will look into the fire's cause later but said it was too early to say if it was started deliberately.
A spokeswoman said 10 fire engines, a major incident support unit, a mobile fire station and two aerial ladder platforms had been sent to the scene. A spokeswoman said 10 fire engines, a major incident support unit, a mobile fire station and two aerial ladder platforms had been sent to the scene. The fire brigade are spraying water on it but apart from that I think there's not a lot else they can do Eric Smallman, eye witness
The fire brigade are spraying water on it but apart from that I think there's not a lot else they can do Eric Smallman, eye witness The fire is suspected to have started near the front of the pier by a former pub and cafe.
Fire crews are pumping water from a boating lake a mile away to help control the blaze but said the structure has been completely destroyed.
The surrounding roads have also been closed off.
Eric Smallman, owner of the Savoy Hotel opposite the pier, witnessed the blaze.Eric Smallman, owner of the Savoy Hotel opposite the pier, witnessed the blaze.
He said: "Fifty per cent of the pier has actually collapsed - the other fifty per cent is pretty well ablaze. He said: "Fifty per cent of the pier has actually collapsed - the other 50% is pretty well ablaze.
"The flames are starting to come through what's left of the main building."The flames are starting to come through what's left of the main building.
"The fire brigade are spraying water on it but apart from that I think there's not a lot else they can do.""The fire brigade are spraying water on it but apart from that I think there's not a lot else they can do."
He added: "I don't think they're actually attempting to go into the building or anything like that - I think it's just a case of trying to fight the fire from outside."He added: "I don't think they're actually attempting to go into the building or anything like that - I think it's just a case of trying to fight the fire from outside."
The pier, which was built in 1910, was sold to a Lancashire businessman for about £500,000 last year. Planning row
Fleetwood Pier was rebuilt in 1953 after being damaged by a fire in 1952.
The blaze on 25 August started in the cinema and created an inferno that could be seen from 20 miles away.
The attraction was first built in 1906 - the last to be constructed in the "golden age" of pier building, from 1860 to 1910.
It was built with a promenade deck and 600ft long jetty with an ornate oriental-style pavilion. It opened to the public in 1911.
The pier continued to remain profitable throughout the declining years of the seaside resort, even receiving a £70,000 facelift in 1972.
But in recent years it has gone through changes of ownership and uncertainty over its future.
The pier was sold to a Lancashire businessman for about £500,000 last year.
Mike Simmons, also known as comedian Joey Blower, had promised a new lease of life for the pier by converting it into luxury apartments.Mike Simmons, also known as comedian Joey Blower, had promised a new lease of life for the pier by converting it into luxury apartments.
Fleetwood Pier was rebuilt in 1953 after being damaged by fire. But hundreds of people signed a petition objecting to the plans.
Are you in the area? Did you witness the fire? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Are you in the area? Did you witness the fire? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.
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