Firefighters have extinguished a fire that broke out on Eastbourne Pier on Sunday morning, forcing the evacuation of the historic seaside landmark. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) responded to the incident at approximately 10:30 BST, deploying six crews including an aerial ladder platform to tackle the blaze.
The service isolated both gas and electrical supplies to the pier as a precautionary measure. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used firefighting foam to combat the flames, and by 11:20 BST the fire had been extinguished, though crews remained on site to address hot spots and ensure the area was fully secured.
Members of the public were advised to stay away from the vicinity to enable emergency responders to work safely and effectively. According to transport data provider Inrix, Grand Parade experienced partial blockages in both directions, with traffic moving slowly as a result of the emergency service presence responding to the incident.
Historical context for the pier
This incident marks another significant fire event for the structure, which has faced fire damage previously. On 30 July 2014, a major blaze destroyed approximately one third of the Grade II* listed building, demonstrating the pier's vulnerability to such disasters. Despite this history, the pier has remained an important cultural and commercial hub for Eastbourne since its official opening in 1870, attracting visitors and serving as a focal point for the seaside town.
What happens next
Investigators will likely examine the cause of the fire and assess any structural damage sustained during the blaze. The pier's operational status and timeline for reopening to the public remain to be determined as assessments continue.
