Blackpool Tower ‘fire’ confirmed to be orange netting flapping in the wind
Early reports of a fire at Blackpool Tower, triggering a huge emergency services report, proved to be false.
The iconic landmark stands on the promenade of the north west seaside town.
On Thursday afternoon, photos and videos shared on social media showed what looked like flames coming from near the top of the historic structure.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue was in attendance and urged the public to stay away from the area.
Six fire engines and a drone were all in operation at the Blackpool Tower blaze.
The fire service said: “We have 6 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.”
Below are a series of videos and photos from the scene.
But then Lancashire Police confirmed that the fire wasn’t actually a fire.
They 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.”
the fire brigade arriving at the blackpool tower discovering it’s not on fire and it’s actually just some orange tarpaulin blowing in the wind: pic.twitter.com/KhviYcgYtO
— harry (@_hxrrybxtt) December 28, 2023
BREAKING: ITV have announced that Sheridan Smith will portray the Blackpool Tower in the upcoming drama ‘Towering Inferno’ which will cover the events of the fire that never was. pic.twitter.com/bAGn6vh8Uu
— ed (@erar97) December 28, 2023
The Blackpool Tower fire was just orange netting pic.twitter.com/6rlskSIl4J
— Lewis 🎄☃️🎅 (@lewispringle) December 28, 2023
"Apparently someone has just rung in to Lancashire Fire and Rescue to say that Blackpool Tower is on fire. Well, don't worry, it isn't." pic.twitter.com/UgxbW84gKg
— Toddington (@HXValley) December 28, 2023
A fire & rescue spokesperson on the Blackpool Tower ‘fire’: pic.twitter.com/gFd6vPCCY8
— Alex Milsom (@alexmilsom) December 28, 2023
Now are we sure that the Eiffel Tower is on fire? Because we kind of jumped to conclusions here in Blackpool once….. pic.twitter.com/n7PHJGR2Qj
— Brendan Bunting Art 🇯🇲🇮🇪 (@DapperArtist) December 24, 2024
Featured image: X, @__harrietclegg