Flames soared into the sky as a huge blaze ripped through a beauty salon, reducing it to rubble, in seaside a town centre on Boxing Day.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene of the horrific fire in the seaside resort of Blackpool this afternoon.
Plumes of smoke could be seen filling the high street following the fire at the Nail Emporium and shoppers were advised to avoid the area.
Pictures from the scene showed huge flames coming out from the building and smoke could be seen across the popular seaside town.
This evening the beauty salon collapsed, leaving the building as just rubble following the horrific blaze.
Meanwhile residents were being advised to keep their windows and doors shut as fire crews battled to bring the blaze under control.
A statement from Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "At 13:40 on the 26th December 2022, six fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, Bispham, St Anne's and Fleetwood attended a commercial property fire on Church Street, Blackpool.
"Firefighters are wearing breathing apparatus and are using two hose reel jets and two hose reels to extinguish the fire. Crews remain in attendance.
"Please avoid the area."
At the height of the fire, eight engines battled to control the blaze and people were urged not to fly drones in the area as they would risk obstructing the emergency response.
It still is not known what caused the fire as of this moment and neighbouring buildings appear unscathed, but this has yet to be confirmed.
The fire service later updated the public, saying: "The incident has now been reduced to four fire engines and the aerial ladder platform.
"There has been a partial building collapse and we are working with partners to make the area safe. We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and would like to thank you for your co-operation and understanding."
At 4pm this afternoon fire crews were still working to control the fire and had brought in a drone team to help, Lancashire Fire and Rescue said.
Police were also helping with the emergency response.
One of the main streets in Blackpool town centre was filled with smoke earlier and even cordoned off by emergency services.
As flames burned through the Nail Emporium, locals reported being able to smell acetone.
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