Brighton pier burns

Firefighters have contained a fire at Brighton's West Pier - and say it was probably started deliberately. The fire - the second to sweep though the structure in less than two months - broke out in the early hours of Sunday. Firefighters have been forced to leave several "hot spots" burning because they are unable to reach them safely. . .

The 137-year-old structure, derelict since 1975, was largely stripped to its cast iron shell after a fire on 28 March. The fire has been described as "severe". . .

In December and again in January, large parts of the pier collapsed into the sea. In February Brighton and Hove City Council voted, despite fierce opposition, to press ahead with ambitious plans to restore the pier at a cost of £30m.

From the BBC. Another writeup from ITV here. Previous posts on the pier's collapse here and here.

Posted by David on May 11, 2003 1:01 PM