FIRE swept through Morecambe's pier and there were fears it would never re-open. It caused an estimated £250,000-worth of damage and almost destroyed the landmark's ballroom.
Fire-fighters fought for two hours to stop the flames engulfing the ballroom at the seaward end of the pier.
They waded through the ebbing tide to erect 30ft ladders against pier supports to cut off flames as they spread along the deck.
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