Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at a derelict building in Blackpool this morning.
Six fire engines were scrambled to the scene on Tyldesley Road just after 5.45am, LancsLive reports. Pictures showed a huge plume of thick, black smoke coming from the blaze.
An aerial platform is being used to put out the flames, the fire service said, and a drone is also being used at the scene. A large cordon is in place around the building and people are being urged to avoid the area.
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Residents who live nearby are being told to keep their windows and doors closed. In a statement issued this morning, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 05:46 on the 27th August 2022, six fire engines from Blackpool, South Shore, St Annes, Fleetwood, Bispham and Blackburn along with the aerial ladder platforms from Blackpool and Preston, the stinger from Blackburn and the aerial support unit are currently attending an incident on Tyldesley Road, Blackpool.
"Firefighting operations are underway. If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed. Please avoid the area."
An update at 8.15am said: "The drone team is also in attendance at this incident. Please do not fly drones nearby as you will obstruct emergency operations."
In a tweet, Blackpool Police said: "We are assisting our colleagues @LancashireFRS at the scene of the fire at Tyldesley Road this morning. Some road closures are in place so please avoid the area if you can."
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