SIX fire engines rushed to Blackpool Tower to tackle the “flames” – only for police to discover the “flames” were just orange netting two hours later.
Fire officials said they attended the inferno on the Promenade and told visitors to “keep clear” of the 520ft iconic tourist attraction.
9
The cult tourist attraction was “on fire” this afternoon
9
Photos from the scene appear to show bright orange flames, but it was actually a net
9
Officers arrested a man on suspicion of breaching the peaceCredit: Splash
9
Blackpool Tower opened in 1894. Credit: Getty
9
Fire crews sent six engines to the ‘blaze’Credit: Twitter
9
Officers also attended Credit: DAVE NELSON
The attraction was evacuated, and the police shared an update from the fire department about the horror that happened at the world-famous landmark.
Locals even bizarrely claimed they could smell smoke as chaos erupted – and one man was arrested.
But officers confirmed this afternoon just hours later that the “flame” was just orange mesh and that the viewing platform was never on fire.
Witnesses said roads were closed as six fire engines rushed to the scene along with a specialist climbing team.
A drone team and a rope rescue team were dispatched and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was on the scene.
But in a statement this afternoon, Blackpool Police said there was “no fire at all”.
The force 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 is difficult to access.
“Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm that what is seen is orange netting.”
The man was seen being handcuffed as police confirmed he had been arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace.
Traumatized locals wept as the news was “devastating” before learning it was just orange netting.
A witness previously told LancsLive: “The street behind the tower was cordoned off, so you couldn’t get any closer.
“It was absolute chaos down here – people don’t expect something like this to happen to such a famous building.
“You can smell smoke down the street.”
One person on Xu, formerly known as Twitter, said: “The top of the tower in Blackpool is on fire, lots of people on the Promenade are confused and panicking.
“Looks like it’s the top, below the Crow’s Nest. I really hope nothing is lost and everyone is okay. Devastating news.”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have six fire engines, a drone team and a rope rescue team currently in action at the fire in The Promenade, Blackpool.
“Please stay away from that area.
“The drone team is working so please do not fly drones in the area as you could interfere with emergency operations.”
Blackpool Tower was first opened in 1894 and at the time was the tallest man-made structure in Great Britain and the tallest building in the world.
There were two significant fires on the tower, one in 1897 and the other in 1956.
A fire in the 19th century destroyed two observation platforms, ropes and supports of the tower.
The second was caused by a lit cigarette that destroyed the tower’s ballroom and lounge, and repairs took 18 months.
And the 2018 fire saw a dozen people trapped on top of the tower for four hours as crews raced to stop the fire spreading.
During World War II, it was used as a radar station to defend the northwest from German air raids.
It was declared a building of the 1st degree of protection in 1973.
The annual live episode of Strictly Come Dancing is filmed in the tower’s ballroom, and the zoo and circus were also held there.
A 2014 BBC article said 650,000 people visited the tower each year, with 18 million visiting Blackpool in 2021.
The tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris after the Mayor of Blackpool visited the Great Paris Exhibition in 1889.
9
A specialized climbing team was called to help
9
A previous fire in 1956 destroyed two observation platforms, ropes and supports for the tower Credit: Rex Features
9
Locals bizarrely said they smelled smoke
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education