A man has been arrested following initial reports of a fire at Blackpool Tower, which later turned out to be video footage of orange netting fluttering in the wind.
Earlier, the Welcome to Blackpool tourist information service had mentioned the dispatch of the fire brigade with climbing gear, heightening concerns.
Fire crews responded to the promenade around 2:15 pm on Thursday, prompted by what seemed to be visible flames near the viewing platform. However, approximately two hours later, it was revealed that the perceived blaze was, in fact, a result of windswept netting, resembling the appearance of a potential fire.
Social media images and videos initially depicted flames on the 158-meter-high structure, leading Lancashire Fire and Rescue to caution visitors and dispatch fire engines and a drone team for inspection.
The police helicopter report dampened the fire speculation before the fire service’s climbing teams could ascend to the top.
Blackpool Tower, a cherished landmark since its opening in 1894, houses various attractions, including a Sea Life center, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, and a circus. In 2018, an incident occurred where several individuals were trapped at the top, requiring evacuation.
