Paignton Pier fire explained?

While browsing pamphlets this afternoon in the excellent Topsham Bookshop, I couldn't resist taking a photograph of this picture in an old guide to Paignton, showing the 1919 pier fire, chiefly because of having a chuckle at the name of the act advertised on the pavilion roof. Maybe the pier was torched by outraged Paigntonians!

- Ray
See Wikipedia if you don't get the allusion.