Tourists evacuated as 'fire' starts at Blackpool tower
UPDATE 4.45PM 27 DECEMBER - Lancashire Fire and Rescue has confirmed there was no fire at Blackpool Tower and orange netting can be seen in video and pictures from the scene.
Full story here.
ORIGINAL STORY - Six fire engines have been called to attend a blaze at Blackpool Tower, with locals claiming that the top of the iconic tourist attraction is on fire.
Pictures and videos on social media from Blackpool residents appear to show that the top of the tower is indeed burning.
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Lancashire Fire and Rescue issued a statement confirming they have responded to calls of a fire, and have warned people to stay away from Blackpool Tower.
They also told people to keep drones away as they are flying their own around the area and don't want to be distracted in their efforts to respond to the fire.
They said: "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."
Emergency services first shared an update about the incident at 2.14pm today (28 December).
This is not the first time there has been a concern about fire at the iconic Blackpool landmark.
Two years ago, the tower was evacuated after reports of smoke, with Lancashire Fire and Rescue deploying six fire engines that time as well.
Fire crews searched the building and found that the smoke had been caused by 'an electrical issue in the basement of a neighbouring property'.
Opened to the public in 1894, Blackpool Tower has been a popular tourist attraction ever since it was finished.
It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, though it's significantly shorter than its French counterpart, and is part of an entertainment complex that includes a circus and ballroom.
The tower takes seven years to paint, and when the wind in Blackpool reaches speeds of 70mph, the top of the tower sways by an inch.
It's one of the UK's most iconic landmarks, and often the first thing people think of when they think of Blackpool.
For now, tourists have been evacuated from the tower and locals warned to keep their distance to keep the roads clear and minimise any disruption to the emergency services.
According to the tower themselves: "Our iconic venue opened in 1894, where the first visitors stood in awe of the remarkable design, immense scale and ornate decorations.
"Even today, as attractions have evolved and developed within the Blackpool Tower, visitors are astounded by the remarkable World Famous Attraction’s unarguable wow factor."
Topics: UK News
Joe Harker