In a peculiar turn of events, police have clarified that the reported fire at the top of Blackpool Tower was orange netting swaying in the strong winds that have been battering the seaside resort.
Earlier reports had raised concerns, as firefighters in climbing gear were believed to be en route to deal with the situation, and authorities had issued warnings to stay away from the area.
The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service had initially 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.”
Images and videos shared on social media had seemingly shown flames near the top of the iconic structure, fueling alarm among the public.
However, upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the apparent “flames” were nothing more than the movement of orange netting, which had been dramatically swaying in the fierce winds.
This incident led to what the fire service called “significant disruption” in the area, as they took preventive measures to address the situation at the 19th-century tourist attraction.
The Blackpool Tower, inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower, opened its doors to the public in 1894 and soared to a height of approximately 158 meters (518 feet). It has remained a cherished symbol of Blackpool’s rich history and culture.
Notably, in 2018, a fire incident at the tower led to the evacuation of several individuals from the top, with firefighters coming to their aid to ensure their safety.
