Left: firefighters were unable to access the burning concert hall on Monday. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
Brighton's West Pier was in flames today, Monday May 12, for the third time in two months, after burning embers from a fire on Sunday were reignited by strong winds.
Firefighters were called to the Grade I listed structure in the early hours of Sunday morning after reports of flames in the partially-collapsed concert hall. Although the blaze was brought under control, by Monday afternoon they were back at the scene as 'hotspots', left to smoulder, roared back into life.
This is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the Eugenius Birch-built West Pier. Just after Christmas part of the concert hall collapsed into the sea, while in March flames literally engulfed the pavilion at the far end of the structure.
Right: since Christmas 2002, the West Pier has suffered a series of tragic setbacks. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
While the police have so far found no evidence that the fire in March was started deliberately, experts have pointed out that the pier has no electrical or gas source. Many voices in the area, including the local press are suggesting that arson must be to blame this time around.
A statement from Sussex Police refused to rule out foul play. “At the moment we are keeping an open mind about the fire,” explained Inspector Dick Shelton. “It is too early to say if it is arson, although that clearly is one line of enquiry.”
Firefighter Whitewood of the East Sussex Fire Brigade told the 24 Hour Museum that the former Victorian concert hall was now too dangerous to get a crew onto it.
Left: the original pavilion was all but lost when it was engulfed in flames in March. Photo: David Prudames. © 24 Hour Museum.
“When it first started we had a jet on it, but now the it has dropped a bit we can't even get on the pier,” he said.
Explaining how the decision had already been made to let it burn out on its own, he added, “if it was to really get going they might call the maritime team out from Newhaven.”
As was the case in March, Rachel Clark, General Manager of the West Pier Trust's message was unequivocal: “It doesn't affect the restoration at all.”
Right: Eugenius Birch's beautiful West Pier in better days. © The Brighton West Pier Trust.
Speaking to the 24 Hour Museum on Monday afternoon, Rachel was adamant this latest tragedy wouldn't put a stop to the pier's full restoration.
“It looks appalling, but we want to reassure the public that it isn't the end of the story. We have to get the message across that our funding is still in place, our supporters are still in place and we are more resolved than ever to see the restoration through.”
“We are in the same position we were in before the fire. There will be some work this summer and we are on course for the complete restoration next year.”
As to how the fire started, Rachel echoed the sentiments of many passers-by: "It was arson, without a shadow of a doubt."
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