Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth issues warning after fire

Visitors at Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier are being urged to follow new rules banning smoking anywhere on or near the pier <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Visitors at Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier are being urged to follow new rules banning smoking anywhere on or near the pier (Image: Newsquest)
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A warning has been issued to smokers after a blaze at a pier in Great Yarmouth.

Firefighters were called to Britannia Pier on August 11 due to a small fire that had been put out before they arrived.

It has now been revealed that the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.

The pier’s outdoor decking areas “have been non-smoking for some time”, with one designated smoking area retained for Long Johns Showbar to “isolate the risk as much as possible”.

However, visitors are now being urged to follow new rules banning smoking anywhere on or near the pier, including the use of vapes and other smoking products.

They are also warned never to discard cigarette ends anywhere nearby.

Several exits have been designated for people wishing to smoke off-site.

A spokesman for Britannia Pier said: "Our priority is the safety of our visitors, staff and the pier itself.

"We know everyone wants to enjoy the Britannia Pier, but in these exceptionally dry conditions, one small spark could have devastating consequences."

The pier extended its gratitude to visitors for their cooperation and understanding, reminding them that "while fun is a priority, safety always comes first".

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