Blackpool’s Central Pier is saved as 3am blaze destroys fairground ride

AN INVESTIGATION was under way yesterday after part of Blackpool Central Pier was destroyed by fire.

The blaze wrecked a fairground ride and damaged a workshop but fire crews said “early intervention” saved the pier from further damage.

Ten fire crews were called to the blaze just after 3am yesterday.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the fairground ride had been completely destroyed and a significant portion of the outside of the workshop had been wrecked.

The fire was quickly brought under control after crews arrived on the scene and investigations would be carried out into its cause, the service said.

Incident commander Mark Winder said: “Some fantastic early intervention was done by the crews first on scene.

“Fortunately we had some of the conditions in our favour so we did not have a particularly strong wind.

“The tide was out so we were able to tackle the fire below from the beach as well.”

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: “Crews will remain to monitor for any hotspots and damp down.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire will begin as soon as possible.

“The earlier road closures in place are now being lifted.”

By 11am yesterday, two fire crews remained at the scene.

Drone pictures from the fire service showed the damage to the middle section of the pier.

It is known for its attractions, amusements, shows and shopping.

The pier is close to where the now-closed Blackpool Central railway station was situated and 550 yards from Blackpool Tower.

The emphasis on the Central Pier was said to be fun, while the North Pier had a focus on more genteel relaxation.

Central Pier was the second of Blackpool’s three piers to be built. First was North Pier in 1863, Central Pier followed in 1868 and South Pier, originally called Victoria Pier, was constructed in 1893.

A 108ft Ferris wheel opened on Central Pier in 1990.

Fantastic early intervention was done by crews first on the scene.

Incident commander Mark Winder yesterday.

PICTURES: LANCASHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE/PA WIRE BLACKENED: A drone picture shows the middle section of the pier where a ride was destroyed and a workshop damaged. Above left, the ride in flames but the fire service was able to also fight the blaze from the beach as the tide was out.