Blackpool Tower 'fire' explained as police issue bizarre update on 'inferno'

28 December 2023 , 15:03

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Dramatic footage shows fire services at Blackpool Tower which was evacuated following reports of a blaze - as police reveal the real cause of the 'flames'.

Pictures and videos have been shared on social media after people claimed they could see flames coming from the top of the iconic structure near to the viewing platform. The incident was first reported at around 2.15pm today and there are six fire engines at the scene.

But in a crucial update this afternoon (Thursday), Lancashire Police confirmed that crews discovered there had been no fire at all. The force said people had mistaken orange netting from recent renovation works for flames.

A specialist climbing team from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have now also arrived at the scene. Streets around the tower have been cordoned off by police following the alleged blaze - which is believed to have occurred close to the 360 degree viewing platform. People nearby described a scene of "chaos" as emergency crews rushed to the incident.

The latest pictures emerging from the scene show a police helicopter circling the landmark while fire engines and several police vehicles can be seen currently stationed on the ground in the town centre. One man was pictured being detained by officers and put into a police van earlier on Thursday afternoon, with the force confirming a man had been arrested for breach of the peace.

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Blackpool Tower 'fire' explained as police issue bizarre update on 'inferno'

There are six fire engines at the scene (sked03/Twitter)

People have been told to avoid the area (sked03/Twitter)

A Blackpool Tower spokesperson said that a number of people have been evacuated. One witness posted on Facebook saying: "Blackpool tower on fire" while another said: "Top of Blackpool Tower is on fire!!!"

Divisional Commander Chief Supt Karen Edwards, from Blackpool Police, said: "We are at the scene in support of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainment. The top of the tower is currently closed for renovation and difficult to access.

"Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting. One man has been arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace and is being transported to custody."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue stated: "We have six fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool. Please stay away from the area. The drone team are in operation so please do not fly drones in the area as you may obstruct emergency operations."

A man was seen being put into a police van (Aaron Parfitt / SplashNews.com)

Witnesses have described the scene as "chaos" (BPL Bible via Lancs Live)

Welcome to Blackpool tourist information has stated: “The fire brigade with climbing gear are on their way up now.” It previously stated: "Fire at the top of Blackpool Tower… Hope the fire can be dealt with quickly and safely to limit any damage. Will update when more info is available."

The area has been cordoned off (DAVE NELSON)

Police s earlier on Thursday that the incident was causing a lot of traffic problems on the Promenade with heavy traffic on roads surrounding the Tower. A police spokeswoman said: "The police are actively supporting the fire service in the incident." Members of the public have been told to avoid the area. And those expecting to travel nearby are advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

One person told LancsLive: "At least three fire engines arrived in a matter of minutes, and then the street behind the tower was cordoned off, so you can't get any closer. It's been absolute chaos down here - people don't expect something like this to happen to such a famous building. You can smell smoke down on the street and see what looks like flames coming from where I think the viewing platform is. We heard everyone inside had been evacuated. I hope nobody was hurt."

A specialist team seen scaling the tower (DAVE NELSON)

A man at the scene was filmed being pinned down, detained by police and put in a van, as a crowd outside the tower building watched on. Blackpool Police have since confirmed a man was arrested for an alleged public order offence.

The Blackpool Tower is one of Britain’s best-loved landmarks, and most popular attractions. It stated: "Our iconic venue opened in 1894, where the first visitors stood in awe of the remarkable design, immense scale and ornate decorations. Even today, as attractions have evolved and developed within the Blackpool Tower, visitors are astounded by the remarkable World Famous Attraction’s unarguable wow factor."