Fire at Blackpool Tower as people told to avoid area
Firefighters are battling a blaze at the top of Blackpool Tower, with people warned to avoid the area surrounding the iconic landmark.
Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said it has sent six fire engines, along with a drone and rope rescue team to the scene on the Promenade in Blackpool.
“Please stay away from the area,” the fire service said. “The drone team are in operation so please do not fly drones in the area as you may obstruct emergency operations.”
The tower has been evacuated, a member of staff told the PA news agency.
Footage on social media appeared to show flames at the top of the 158m tower.
The Grade I listed seaside attraction built in 1894 is one of Britain’s well-known landmarks.
The Blackpool Tower Eye, located at the top of the structure, enables visitors to take in panoramic views of the north west of England. It is currently closed until March 2024.
Other tower attractions include the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the Blackpool Tower Circus, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon and the Fifth Floor, which includes a family bar, arcade and virtual reality rollercoaster.
The tower, built by a company led by former Blackpool mayor John Bickerstaffe, was inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower which opened five years earlier.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
