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Eastbourne Pier fire: Firefighters save 'huge amount' Eastbourne Pier fire: Firefighters save two thirds of structure
(35 minutes later)
Fire crews have saved a "huge amount" of Eastbourne Pier after fire ripped through the Victorian structure leaving only a metal skeleton. Fire crews have saved two thirds of Eastbourne Pier after fire destroyed part of the structure, leaving a metal skeleton.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday behind some wood panelling in the arcade building. The blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon behind some wood panelling in the arcade building.
Chief fire officer Des Pritchard said the outgoing tide and low water pressure hampered the crews but their hard work had "paid off". Chief fire officer Des Pritchard said the outgoing tide and low water pressure had hampered crews but their hard work had "paid off".
Fire minister Penny Mordaunt is to visit the scene later. Fire minister Penny Mordaunt is to visit the pier later.
Ms Mordaunt said she would be visiting Eastbourne "as a priority" to speak to local people and thank firefighters for their efforts.
No-one was injured and the fire is not being treated as suspicious.No-one was injured and the fire is not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Pritchard, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said "there's a great deal that's still there". Mr Pritchard, of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Pier fires are very difficult to fight because there's only one way on to the pier from the land side.
"Pier fires are notoriously difficult to fight because there is one way on and one way off - and the tide can caused additional problems," he said. "Our crews worked tremendously well and whilst some of the pictures in the media show what might be a scene of devastation, our crews managed to save two thirds of the pier."
"The hard work of our firefighters has paid off in that we have been able to save a section of this iconic landmark but I know for the people of Eastbourne, this will still be devastating." He said most of the hotspots had been extinguished overnight, with RNLI lifeboat crews assisting.
He thanked everyone who was involved in the operation. BBC Sussex reporter Simon Jenkins
RNLI lifeboat crews helped reach the remaining hot spots during the night. About 20 firefighters are still damping down. Looking towards the pier, if you start on the outer pavilion that's absolutely fine.
The arcade has been left a shell and a number of small buildings have been badly damaged, a fire service spokesman said. You move back along it and then you come to effectively a skeleton of steel and twisted iron.
It's a blackened hulk of twisted metal.
People are shocked, people are concerned and they're coming down to check if the rest of it is still here.
The arcade has been left a shell and a number of small buildings at the Victorian structure have been badly damaged, a fire service spokesman said.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way.An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way.
Kay Healy, who works at the History Bear Collection on the pier, said the attraction was very busy when fire alarm went off.
"When we walked towards the front of the pier there was smoke coming out of the arcade," she said.
"The pier was packed...it took five minutes to get people off.
"There was no panic - no-one running, just walking."
She said it took at least 30 minutes for the bystanders to see the flames.
"Then when we went to the other side of the pier, we realised how serious it was," Ms Healy said.
"The fire crew was trying to smash the roof in to get the hoses in and then all of a sudden the flames came from everywhere. It was horrendous."
Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said: "The good news is that we don't have a Brighton or Hastings scenario where the whole pier is destroyed."Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd said: "The good news is that we don't have a Brighton or Hastings scenario where the whole pier is destroyed."
Mr Lloyd is due to meet the pier's owners and local councillors later to discuss the blaze and its aftermath.Mr Lloyd is due to meet the pier's owners and local councillors later to discuss the blaze and its aftermath.
Ms Mordaunt said she would be visiting Eastbourne "as a priority" to speak to local people and thank firefighters for their efforts.
"It is heart-breaking to see such a wonderful Victorian pier so damaged. Thankfully no-one appears to have been hurt," she said.
Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt said he was hopeful the pier could be repaired, and he understood the fire had been started by an electrical fault.Eastbourne Borough Council leader David Tutt said he was hopeful the pier could be repaired, and he understood the fire had been started by an electrical fault.
Pier firesPier fires