Hastings landmark destroyed in blaze

Two teenagers from St Leonards are being questioned on suspicion of arson after Hastings Pier was almost destroyed by fire.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in the early hours of 5th October 2010.  What started as a very small fire, quickly took hold of the pier and soon the entire structure was engulfed in flames.

Dozens of onlookers watched the blaze take hold.  Felix Robinson of the Hasting Pier and White Rock Trust said “I always knew that the pier was at risk of fire when it was closed and empty. To actually see it go up in such a massive fire is very sad”

60 firefighters were at the blaze trying desperately to contain the fire but it is thought that 95% of the upper structure has been destroyed.  Firefighters were joined by two RNLI lifeboats and the Sussex Police helicopter.

The Pier which opened in 1872 is one of Hastings most historic landmarks. It was forced to close in 2006 due to concerns that it had become unsafe.  Hastings Borough Council had recently agreed to a compulsory purchase order in the hopes that the landmark could be restored in the future with the help of Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust.

The local authorities will now look at a new structural survey to assess the degree of damage and decide on the fate of the Pier.