Overview
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue was alerted at 11:48pm, arrived six minutes later with three engines, and fully extinguished the blaze by 1:34am before handing over at 2:08am.
- The fire started in a hut shortly before midnight, spread about 20 metres, and affected a café building, with crews tackling it from on and below the pier.
- Fire officials say the incident is believed to be accidental, caused by an electrical fault, and it is not being treated as suspicious.
- Sefton Council reports early checks indicate no significant structural damage to the Grade II‑listed, 165‑year‑old pier.
- The pier has been closed since 2022 and council leaders expect funding process details shortly, noting earlier estimates that works could start 6–8 weeks after confirmation and take 12–14 months.