On May 25, 1934, a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 AM, beginning at the Big Dipper roller coaster, which was one of the park’s main attractions. The blaze spread rapidly due to the wooden structures and flammable materials used in the rides and was further fueled by high winds that night. The fire quickly engulfed several other key attractions, including the Scenic Railway and the Whip, and caused extensive damage to the park’s infrastructure. The firefighters who responded faced considerable challenges, as the water supply in the park was inadequate for such a large fire. Despite their efforts, the blaze proved difficult to control. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, though some park employees and visitors were injured. The exact cause of the fire was never definitively determined, but it was believed to be due to an electrical fault or malfunction in the equipment, possibly a short circuit in the roller coaster’s wiring.
There are more Pleasure Beach related posts on the timeline: The Big One, The Pleasure Beach, Thompson Family Takes Over Pleasure Beach, The Original Coasters Restaurant, Nickelodeon Land at The Pleasure Beach and The Frightening World of 1950s Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
In the aftermath, there was a major effort to rebuild and restore the park. The Pleasure Beach was reconstructed with more fire-resistant materials and improved safety measures. The Big Dipper was rebuilt, and the park continued to thrive, eventually becoming a beloved destination with a mix of classic and modern attractions. The 1934 fire is a poignant reminder of the risks associated with amusement parks and the importance of fire safety. Despite the setback, Blackpool Pleasure Beach managed to recover and maintain its status as one of the UK’s premier amusement parks. News coverage was taken and can be viewed in the video below (submitted by British Movietone):
