Seven fire engines from across Sussex raced to the Palace Pier last night after reports of smoke at its entrance – but when they arrived, they found nothing but jet wash spray.
Engines from Brighton, Hove, Roedean, Lewes and Shoreham attended the call when it came in at 1.24am this morning.
Whenever any reports of fire are made at the Palace Pier, East Sussex Fire and Rescue have a “pre-determined response” which means several engines are sent.
A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “At 1.24 this morning (26 September) seven appliances from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to Madiera Drive, in Brighton, following reports of smoke at the entrance of the pier, which transpired to be water vapour from a jet wash.”
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Emergency Planning Officer, Glenn Jones, said: “We have what are known as ‘pre-determined attendance’ arrangements. This means for particular types of emergencies, we automatically send a certain number of fire engines or other vehicles.”
Brighton firefighters were also sent to The Level yesterday just after 5pm after reports of a fire in the open. Advice was given by the crew.
