When firefighters arrived at Blackpool Tower in response to what appeared to be a fire, they discovered that orange netting was visible.

 

At around 14:15 GMT, (Local Time), witnesses saw "flames" emanating from a metal portion near the top of the well-known monument.

 

Six fire engines and a "rope rescue" squad were sent by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) to the incident.

 

The 129-year-old tower's staff was evacuated, but according to LFRS, a specialised crew was able to enter the location and establish that there had not been a fire.

 

"The area where the fire was suspected is generally inaccessible, therefore access to this area is difficult."After gaining access, a specialised team from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service verified that there was no fire.

 

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

When there was a fire on the Promenade, LFRS first reported having six fire engines, the drone team, and the "rope rescue" squad on the scene.

 

According to Lancashire Police, the tower's summit is currently inaccessible and closed for renovations.

"Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire," it read.

What was visible was confirmed by the force to be "orange netting".

 

According to the force, one male was taken into custody nearby on suspicion of disturbing the peace.

"We can confirm that the fire brigade... have established that there is no fire," a Blackpool Tower spokesman stated.

 

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

 

The 519-foot (158-meter) tower was constructed between 1891 and 1894 and is a Grade I listed structure.

 

Sir John Bickerstaffe, a former mayor of Blackpool, got the idea to construct a Lancashire replica of the Eiffel Tower after visiting Paris in 1889.

News source: BBC