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The cause of the Weston-Super-Mare fire has been revealed by firefighters as most likely to have been cause by an electrical fault. They ruled out fire but said it was very hard to prove what the cause was as so much evidence was lost to the sea.

Avon Fire and Rescue said after trawling through CCTV footage, taking eye-witness accounts and examining the scene, its investigation was inconclusive.

Deputy chief fire officer Jerry O’Brien said: “Taking into consideration evidence provided by eye witnesses CCTV images, firefighters and a detailed scene examination, the cause of this fire will therefore officially be recorded as unknown he said arson was unlikely as there was “no evidence of forced entry or use of accelerants”.

He added that most likely the cause was “an electrical fault of unknown origin above ground floor level in the north east corner of the Pavilion - where the fire started but the investigation did not provide enough evidence for this to be a conclusive finding.”

“A number of potential causes were identified, meticulously analysed and systematically discounted by forensic experts during the investigation”.

He concluded that “It is therefore considered unlikely the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials, electrical cooking or heating appliances, self-heating of cooking substances, a gas supply or source of naked flame.”

He also added that the fire service may have had a better chance of defeating the blaze if an alarm triggered at 0135 BST was brought to its attention.s

The pier owners released a statement thanking the firefighters for their hard work.

Co-owner Kerry Michael said: “Michelle and I would like to thank the fire brigade and forensic scientists for all their efforts on the day and for their diligent interrogation into the possible causes of the fire.

“Whilst it has not been possible to confirm the cause with any certainty, it is somewhat reassuring to know that certain things have been ruled out, for example speculation suggesting a kitchen fire have been laid to rest.”

Wyre Council have confirmed that they are considering their actions with regards to claims for compensation against Fleetwood Pier owners Simmo Developments.

Councilor Clive Grunshaw who is leader of the Labour oppoistion in Wyre has demanded the concil take action against Simmo Developments when he discovered that under the terms of the local authority lease adequate insurance should have been taken out and maintained for the pier structure.

At the time of the fire the pier wasn’t covered by an insurance policy which has led to the demands for action to rebuild / replace the lost pier.

Councilor Grunshaw said: “If Simmo Developments have breached the lease, which Wyre say they did, I want to know what Wyre is going to do in terms of taking action.

“If it is impractical to rebuild the pier, we want compensation. We have lost our pier and someone is liable for that.”

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In the third annual pier to pier 15k race Rob Berry broke the previous record by 66 seconds.

Approximately 250 competitors took park in excellent weather negotiating the course which runs along the promenade from the North Pier (Blackpool) via Anchorsholme Park before finishing at the site of recently destroyed Fleetwood Pier.

The top 3 where confirmed as:
1) Rob Berry
2) Ben Riddell
3) Paul Muller (who also took first in the veteran over 50 prize)

Amanda Cook, partner of Rob Berry, took the ladies first place finishing over 5 and a half minutes ahead of second place Beth Massey.

Following the recent fire Wyre Council have confirmed that the structure is be completely demolished.

Following inspections by English Heritage and the Health and Safety Executive and in conjuction with a structural survey report the only course of action is it’s entire removal.

All parties agreed that the pier structure was too unsstable and had been so badly damaged that is simply could not remain in it’s current state. The concrete platform at the very end of the pier is also to be demolished. This work is necessary to enure the safety of the general public in this area.

(Photo Kindly Provided by John Stez)

It is anticipated that the site will be completely cleared within a month.

Garry Payne, Director of Planning and Regeneration for Wyre Borough Council, said: “Regrettably, the demolition of the complete pier structure would now seem the only course of action available.

“The structural report presented to the council was presented with concluded that the remaining elements were in such poor condition that they needed to be removed for safety reasons.”

“Although English Heritage is not statutorily required to comment because the pier is not a listed building, we accepted their invitation to survey the site as the pier is within the newly extended Fleetwood Conservation Area.”

“In addition, the HSE has independently visited the site and requested that access from the beach to any part of the remaining structure is prohibited in the interests of public safety.”

“We have discussed all these opinions with the pier owners and have reached agreement that the site will be cleared as soon as possible.”

Councillor Russell Forsyth, Leader of Wyre Borough Council, said: “Complete demolition of the pier is an outcome very few people would have wanted, but our first priority has always been to ensure the safety of the public.”

“A very difficult decision had to be made. However, it was taken following full and frank discussions with building experts who have all shared the same view.”