Two significant fires occurred during its lifetime, one in 1933 destroying the pavilion then dubbed the "Taj Mahal of the North", and another in 1991, the latter which condemned the pier as unsafe and demolition took place the following year in 1992.

[3] In September 1895, a considerable portion of the landing stage collapsed as a steamer was approaching, causing over 50 people to fall into water in front of hundreds of spectators.

At the time, the pier was mostly deserted although within 30 minutes, the fire had spread to the pavilion while wind blew sparks onto nearby promenade buildings causing some to alight.

[9] Thousands of onlookers watched firefighters try and control the blaze, with priority given to preventing flames destroying the pier decking.

[1] During Easter of 1986, decking collapsed at the seaward end of the pier which forced its closure and a fire on 4 February the following year damaged the amusement arcade.