Bexhill support in Eastbourne pier emergency

Bexhill fire crews helped put out the devastating blaze on Eastbourne’s historic pier on Wednesday and were among 80 fire fighters who worked through the late afternoon and early evening to get it under control. Damage was limited to the front with no injuries reported.

By The Newsroom

Published 1st Aug 2014, 17:05 BST

The fire shocked many locals and is a blow to Eastbourne’s economy in the height of the summer season.

Smoke from the fire was visible in Bexhill and witnesses were quick to post images on social media,

The command support unit from Bexhill community fire station was present throughout, and relief crews responded through the night.

Some 20 officers based in Bexhill took part in the operation with all three appliances used.

Bexhill Coastguard also took part and assisted ESFRS by keeping water pumping from the sea to the hoses. At one point, a pump and firefighters were transferred by inshore lifeboat to the RNLI all-weather boat, so the fire could be attacked at close quarters from the sea.

Deputy station officer Gary Tidman said: “Conditions were challenging, as we worked through heat, smoke and debris from the pier.”