A man has been arrested after early reports of Blackpool Tower being on fire transpired to be video footage of orange netting blowing in the wind.
The Welcome to Blackpool tourist information service had earlier written that “the fire brigade with climbing gear are on their way up now”.
Fire crews were called to the promenade at about 2.15pm on Thursday as flames appeared to be visible near the viewing platform.
But about two hours later it turned out the blaze was, in fact, fabricated; it was instead a piece of windswept netting resembling the sight of an incipient conflagration.
In a statement released on Facebook, Lancashire police said: “We are at the scene in support of Lancashire fire and rescue service, Blackpool council and Merlin Entertainments.
“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.”
Pictures and video on social media appeared to show flames on the 158-metre high structure. Lancashire fire and rescue initially urged visitors to stay away and sent half a dozen fire engines and a drone team to inspect the landmark.
The police helicopter report appears to have poured water over the idea of a fire before the fire service’s specialist climbing teams could make it to the top.
In a post on X, the Lancashire fire and rescue service said it was called “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.”
Blackpool Tower, which opened in 1894, is one of Britain’s best-loved landmarks and most popular attractions. One of the highlights of the TV dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing is a performance in its ballroom midway through the run.
The tower is also home to a Sea Life centre, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and a circus attraction.
In 2018, several people were trapped at the top of the tower and had to be evacuated.
