Police have revealed {that a} suspected hearth on the prime of Blackpool Tower was in truth orange netting blowing within the wind.
Lancashire Fireplace and Rescue Service stated earlier at this time that six hearth engines and a drone crew had been despatched to the enduring construction and urged folks to ‘keep away’.
A crew of specialist climbers have been additionally seen on the Promenade, as locals gathered to look at the emergency operation.
Footage and movies appeared to point out flames coming from the highest of the 520ft forged iron construction, simply above a viewing space generally known as the Blackpool Tower Eye.
However after a helicopter was despatched as much as examine the true explanation for the fireplace, police stated: ‘There isn’t any hearth… we are able to verify what will be seen is orange netting.’
Footage and movies appeared to point out flames coming from the highest of the 520ft forged iron construction, simply above a viewing space generally known as the Blackpool Tower Eye
However after a police helicopter was despatched as much as examine the true explanation for the fireplace and stated: ‘There isn’t any hearth… we are able to verify what will be seen is orange netting’
After a helicopter was despatched as much as examine the true explanation for the fireplace, police stated: ‘There isn’t any hearth… we are able to verify what will be seen is orange netting.’
Dramatic photographs confirmed a person being arrested subsequent to the foot of the tower. Lancashire Police stated a person had been arrested for breach of the peace
Divisional Commander Ch Supt Karen Edwards stated at this time: ‘We’re on the scene in help of Lancashire Fireplace and Rescue Service, Blackpool Council and Merlin Leisure.
‘The highest of the tower is presently closed for renovation and tough to entry.
‘Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there’s no hearth. We will verify what will be seen is orange netting.
‘One man has been arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace and is being transported to custody.’
Earlier, witnesses described scenes of ‘absolute chaos’ across the landmark.
In an earlier assertion earlier than the ‘hearth’ was discovered to be netting, a spokesman for Lancashire Fireplace and Rescue Service stated: ‘We have now 6 hearth engines, the drone crew and the rope rescue crew presently in attendance at a hearth on Promenade, Blackpool.
‘There could also be vital disruption so please keep away from the realm.
‘The drone crew are in operation so please don’t fly drones within the space as you might hinder emergency operations.’
The tower dates from 1894 and was the brainchild of Sir John Bickerstaffe, one of many former mayors of Blackpool who grew to become impressed after visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
It’s well-known to viewers of Strictly Come Dancing, with the ballroom internet hosting the annual Blackpool particular.
The ‘flames’ got here from the highest of the construction, simply above a viewing space generally known as the Blackpool Tower Eye
In an earlier assertion earlier than the ‘hearth’ was discovered to be netting, Lancashire Fireplace and Rescue Service stated six hearth engines have been in attendance
Crowds gathering close to the landmark at this time
The Tower was the brainchild of Sir John Bickerstaffe, one of many former mayors of Blackpool who grew to become impressed after visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris
The ballroom reopened in 2021 following a £1.1million refurbishment.
The work uncovered some extremely uncommon and strange finds – all found within the angel figures adorning the ceiling.
These have included newspapers relationship again to 1911, previous cigarette packs which might be museum items at this time and even an previous strolling stick, believed to this point again to the early fifties.
The renovation works passed off following an earlier hearth within the constructing, which brought on extreme injury to the ballroom.
As much as 12 folks have been stranded on the prime of the tower after a hearth broke out on the iconic landmark in 2018.
It later emerged that contractors engaged on the roof of the constructing on the base of the tower began a small hearth which triggered the smoke alarm.
Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier collaborating on this 12 months’s Strictly particular in Blackpool
It’s well-known to viewers of Strictly Come Dancing, with the Tower Ballroom internet hosting the annual Blackpool particular
The Tower Ballroom reopened in 2021 following a £1.1million refurbishment after it was broken by flames
A a lot bigger hearth in December 1956 destroyed a part of the ballroom’s dance flooring and a restaurant beneath. Restoration took two years and price £500,000.
The ballroom was constructed between 1897 and 1898 to the designs of Frank Matcham who additionally designed Blackpool Grand Theatre and it opened in 1899.
Dancing was not initially allowed on Sundays, as a substitute, sacred music was performed.
Different guidelines included ‘gents could not dance except with a girl’ and that ‘disorderly conduct means fast expulsion’.
Whereas the foundations have relaxed, the venue continues to be considered one of many nation’s premier ballroom dancing venues.
The Tower Ballroom was constructed between 1897 and 1898 to the designs of Frank Matcham who additionally designed Blackpool Grand Theatre. It opened in 1899