'No casualties reported' after fire forces evacuation at Eastbourne Pier

Crews have tackled a fire at a fish and chip shop, on Sunday morning (August 30). Crews were called to the scene, at 10.25am.

"Currently six crews and an aerial ladder platform are at the scene,” a spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said.

“A full evacuation of the pier has been undertaken and is now complete.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are using firefighting foam to tackle the fire.

“Crews are working hard to prevent the escalation of the fire to other areas of the pier.”

The fire service said both the gas and electrics were ‘isolated by crews’.

Police officers arrived to support the emergency response.

“We would urge the public to please avoid the area to allow our firefighters to work,” the fire service added.

"Any properties nearby should keep doors and windows closed.”

As of 11.20am, crews were ‘making good progress’.

“The fire at Eastbourne Pier is now extinguished and firefighters are now dealing with hot spots and cutting away,” an updated statement, from the fire service, read.

"Six crews and aerial ladder platform, alongside its support pump, remain at the scene. The road around the pier has been closed to allow our crews to work safely.

"The public are urged to avoid the area to assist our crews.”

As of 12pm, a ‘stop message’ had been received.

The fire service added: “The cause of the fire confirmed as accidental. Four appliances remain at the scene, but this will be scaled back shortly.”

An eye witness said there was ‘no visible smoke’ but they saw ‘lots of emergency vehicles’ in the area.

AA Traffic News reported that B2106 Grand Parade was partially blocked, with slow traffic both ways from Eastbourne Pier to Queens Gardens. The AA added: “Sensors suggest one lane has reopened past the scene following a fire at Eastbourne Pier.”

All crews had left the scene by 12.30pm. A reinspection was due to place at 5pm.