Could OUR piers go up in smoke? (From Bournemouth Echo)

Could OUR piers go up in smoke?

7:06pm Tuesday 9th September 2008 in

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DORSET'S historic piers are well protected - that's the assurance being given after yet another devastating pier blaze.

The derelict Fleetwood Pier in Blackpool was destroyed by the fire, which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning.

It came less than six weeks after Weston-Super-Mare's 104-year-old pier was gutted by fire. Other piers to have suffered fires include Brighton's West Pier and Southend Pier.

No cause has yet been given for the Fleetwood blaze and an investigation has been launched.

But with piers at Bournemouth, Boscombe and Swanage, council officers have moved to reassure residents that they do all they can to minimise the risk of fire.

Chris Saunders, business development manager, said Bournemouth Pier was very well protected.

"Fire prevention is imperative in the design of Bournemouth Pier, especially when considering the health and safety risks," he said.

"Bournemouth Pier was designed with a concrete structure which reduces the risk of fire damage and there are inbuilt fire hydrants with a dedicated water supply.

"This is complemented by a fire alarm system throughout all the adjoining buildings and is directly linked to alert the fire brigade should it be triggered.

"This fire alarm system has recently been upgraded to meet the updated fire regulations."

Tim Phillips, chairman of the National Piers Society, said it was always very sad to see a pier on fire.

"Pavilions on piers have, over the decades, burnt to the ground," he said.

"I've always maintained that water and electrics do not go well together so extra care needs to be taken at pier buildings - it is common sense really.

"When Southend and Weston piers caught fire, it was low tide and there was no water available at the scene."