Blackpool Tower fire - live: Police say ‘fire’ at landmark attraction is orange netting
Drone and rescue team are currently at the scene after a suspected fire broke out at top of iconic Blackpool Tower
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A ‘fire’ at the top of Blackpool Tower that triggered an emergency response turned out to be orange netting blowing in the wind, say police.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service sent six fire engines to the landmark attraction on the promenade at 2.14pm.
Footage from social media showed what looked like flames coming from near the top of the 158m structure. A drone team and rope rescue team are currently at the scene, the fire service said.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “We have six fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool.
“There may be significant disruption so 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.”
Lancashire Constabulary confirmed it was onsite to support fire and rescue teams. Police later said that the ‘flames’ were in fact orange netting. A spokesperson said: “Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting.”
Are you near Blackpool Tower? Contact matt.mathers@independent.co.uk
Man arrested near Blackpool Tower - witness
One witness told how he and his family saw police handcuff and arrest a man as the fire drama unfolded, Jane Dalton reports.
Philip Roberts said they saw officers chase a man across the street, before tackling him at the entrance to the dungeons.
“He put up a fight. Four police were trying to subdue him," he said.
“They wrestled him to the ground and I saw them take certain things off him and put them in a plastic bag.
“This man who was subdued was taken away in handcuffs in the police van.
“The police were absolutely amazing. Once they got him in the van everyone cheered.”
Magic show including fire breathing was due to start before fire
A magic and illusion show had been scheduled to take place at the Blackpool Tower Circus arena today, Barney Davis reports.
The High Jinx show, which included fire breathing, had been to start at 2.30pm - around 15 minutes after emergency services were called to the scene.
“Created by award-winning illusionist and magician Michael Jordan, High Jinx brings 90 minutes of sensational tricks, illusions, juggling, escapology and much more to The Blackpool Tower Circus,” the tower’s website says.
Blackpool Tower was not open to visitors
The Blackpool Tower Eye, the visitor attraction at the very top of the structure, was not open to visitors today, according to the tower’s website.
The tower first opened in May 1894, and has an entertainment complex at its base with attractions including the famous Tower Ballroom.
It is the 125th tallest freestanding tower in the world, and features a glass-floored “skywalk” at the top offering visitors views of Liverpool and the Isle of Man.
How old is Blackpool Tower?
Blackpool Tower, built between 1891 and 1894, is modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris and attracts more than a million visitors every year.
It is one of Britain’s 10 most popular fee-paying attractions.
The tower is a Grade I listed building and incorporates at its base a building containing attractions that include a world-famous ballroom and circus.
Watch: Fire seen at top of Blackpool Tower
Specialist climbing team at the scene
Pictures taken from the scene show a specialist climbing team from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene, meanwhile there is a heavy traffic on the Promenade.
One person described a scene of “chaos” as emergency services arrived at the seen.
Speaking to Lancs Live, they said: “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.”
Fire appears to be in Crows Nest
Video shared on social media shows flames at the top of the structure, which opened in 1894. The blaze appears to be in an area underneath the Crows Nest, which visitors can climb up to.
The incident was first reported at 2.15pm today.
Good afternoon.
Blackpool Tower is being evacuated after a fire broke out at the top of the iconic seaside landmark.
We’ll bring you live updates on this story as we get them.
ICYMI: Magic show including fire breathing was due to start before ‘fire'
A magic and illusion show had been scheduled to take place at the Blackpool Tower Circus arena on Thursday, Barney Davis reports.
The High Jinx show, which included fire breathing, had been to start at 2.30pm - around 15 minutes after emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a suspected fire that turned out to be orange netting
“Created by award-winning illusionist and magician Michael Jordan, High Jinx brings 90 minutes of sensational tricks, illusions, juggling, escapology and much more to The Blackpool Tower Circus,” the tower’s website says.
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