What actually happened, as emergency services respond to reports of a 'Fire' at Blackpool Tower.
14:14pm
The alarm was raised at approximately 14:14pm on Thursday (28th December) afternoon, when members of the public along the promenade began sharing concern on social media that an upper deck of the Blackpool Tower was on fire.
14:37pm
Two fire engines arrived on scene within a couple of minutes via the promenade side. They then re-located to Bank Hey Street on the backside of tower complex. The Tower was then evacuated as a precaution while a cordon was set on Bank Hey Street. Additional fire engines were deployed to the scene.
14:50pm
Police arrive on scene and detain a person, outside the Blackpool Tower Dungeons. It was unclear at this point, if the arrested was connected to the reported "fire."
14:58pm
Lancashire Fire and Rescue addressed social media, with a statement, explaining that they "have 6 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."
We have 6 fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool.
— Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service (@LancashireFRS) December 28, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/d4qXWoAhrf
15:15pm
National papers begin posting the news of a suspected fire at the top of the Tower complex.
16:17pm
A statement is issued from Blackpool Police, providing an update on the suspected fire.
"We know there are reports of a fire at Blackpool Tower and we just wanted to give you an update from our Divisional Commander Ch Supt Karen Edwards."
"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."
16:59pm
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Area Manager, Neil Taylor confirmed to Coastal Radio that with the help of Lancashire Police and a special rope rescue team, they were able to determine that it was in fact orange netting and not a fire on the upper deck.
Audio from Neil Taylor, Area Manager from Lancashire Fire and Rescue, talking to Luke Abbass on the scene.
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