Man arrested after emergency services respond to ‘fire’ at Blackpool Tower

Police have confirmed reports of a fire at the top of Blackpool Tower this afternoon turned out to be orange netting blowing in the wind.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace, after emergency services were called to the iconic structure just before 2:15pm. They remain on the scene.

In a statement Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service said: ‘’We were called to Promenade, Blackpool today by concerned members of the public, due to a combination of factors that led them to believe it was a fire.

‘’The area where the fire was suspected is generally inaccessible, therefore access to this area is difficult. A specialist team from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service gained access and confirmed that there was no fire.

‘’This incident was supported by the National Police Air Service, who used thermal imaging which provided further assurance.''

Image: June Hill

Pictures and video on social media appear to show flames near the top of the giant metal structure.

Video: Daz Gillies 

Divisional Commander, Chief Supt Karen Edwards, from Lancashire Police said: ‘’We are at the scene in support of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainment.

‘’The top of the tower is currently closed for renovation and difficult to access.

‘’Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting.

‘’One man has been arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace and is being transported to custody.’’

Image: June Hill

In a statement, a spokesperson for Blackpool Tower said: ‘’We can confirm that the Fire Brigade were on site at The Blackpool Tower and have now left.

‘’They have established that there is no fire.

‘’Our well-rehearsed emergency procedures were implemented, and we can confirm that what looked like a fire from a distance was in fact lights on a reflective netting surface at the top of the tower.’’