Blackpool Tower was evacuated after reports of a fire sparked a major alert. Six fire engines went to the scene together with specialist climbing trained teams.
However police later revealed that the cause of reports of a fire at the top of Blackpool Tower was in fact orange netting blowing in the wind.
Pictures and videos have been shared on social media appearing to show flames coming from the top of the iconic structure. The incident was first reported at around 2.15pm today (December 28).
A Blackpool Tower spokesperson told LancsLive that a number of people have been evacuated. LancsLive has contacted Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and pictures from the scene show firefighters in attendance.
One witness posted on Facebook saying: “Blackpool tower on fire” while another said: “Top of Blackpool Tower is on fire!!!”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have posted on X, formerly twitter, saying: “We have 6 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.”
People nearby described a scene of "chaos" as emergency crews rushed to the incident.
Built between 1891 and 1894, the tower is 158m (519ft) high and is a Grade I listed building.
Inspired by a trip to Paris in 1889, former Blackpool mayor Sir John Bickerstaffe had the idea of building a Lancashire version of the Eiffel Tower.
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