POLICE have confirmed that the Blackpool Tower "fire" was actually just orange netting.

       Fire crews rushed to the scene to extinguish what they believed were flames on Thursday afternoon.

       A specialist climbing team was also on the scene to assist, and visitors were told to "stay away."

       While rescue teams tended to the believed blaze, police could be seen putting a man in cuffs at the scene.

       Follow our Blackpool Tower fire live blog for more news and updates...

       29th Dec 2023, 18:30 By Charlotte Everett

       Blackpool Tower fire confirmed to be 'false alarm' by rescue services

       Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have said that the reported Blackpool Tower fire was a "false alarm" and was actually orange netting.

       They said: "[The] specialist rope rescue team gained access and confirmed that there was no fire."

       They said they were called to the scene by "concerned" members of the public.

       The fire was a false alarm Credit: Twitter

       29th Dec 2023, 18:00 By Charlotte Everett

       Man arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace during false Blackpool Tower fire

       A man was arrested on suspicion of Breach of the Peace before the false Blackpool Tower "fire" was revealed to be orange netting.

       Lancashire Police said: "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."

       29th Dec 2023, 17:30 By Charlotte Everett

       Specialist climbing team rushed to scene of false Blackpool Tower fire

       A specialist climbing team rushed to the scene of the false fire at Blackpool Tower, which has now been revealed to be orange netting.

       The "rope rescue team" went to the landmark along with other professionals.

       The rope rescue team are at the scene Credit: Twitter

       29th Dec 2023, 17:00 By Charlotte Everett

       When did the Blackpool Tower open?

       The Blackpool Tower first opened in May 1984 and at the time it was the tallest man made structure in the British Empire.

       The landmark was built between 1891 and 1894.

       When it first opened, the public paid sixpence for admission, sixpence more for a ride in the lifts to the top, and another sixpence for the circus.

       29th Dec 2023, 16:50 By Charlotte Everett

       Which part of Blackpool Tower was thought to be on fire?

       Photo showed orange netting that looked like the top section of Blackpool Tower was on fire.

       The section is known as the Blackpool Tower Eye and is the highest observation deck in North West at 380 feet.

       Blackpool Tower is on fire Credit: Twitter

       29th Dec 2023, 16:40 By Charlotte Everett

       Man appears to be in cuffs as fake blaze reported at Blackpool Tower

       A man has appeared to be in handcuffs after it was reported that a fire engulfed Blackpool Tower, but this has now been said to not be true.

       Police appeared to put a man in cuffs near to the scene.

       Police confirmed that it was orange netting and not a fire.

       A man seems to have been put in cuffs Credit: Splash

       29th Dec 2023, 16:37 By Charlotte Everett

       Police reveal Blackpool Tower 'fire' is actually orange netting

       Police have revealed that the Blackpool Tower fire is actually orange netting blowing in the wind and not flames.

       In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Lancashire Police said: "Our helicopter has flown over the tower and there is no fire. We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting."

       Blackpool tower was not on fire Credit: Twitter

       29th Dec 2023, 16:30 By Charlotte Everett

       Does Blackpool Tower appear on BBC Strictly Come Dancing?

       If you haven't visited the Blackpool Tower in person then you may recognise it from your TV.

       Each year, Strictly Come Dancing heads to the Blackpool Tower for a one-off special programme.

       Those competing get the chance to dance in the Blackpool Tower ballroom where many famous faces have been before.

       Strictly Come Dancing comes to Blackpool each year Credit: Alamy

       29th Dec 2023, 16:20 By Charlotte Everett

       What inspired the Blackpool Tower?

       The Blackpool Tower was inspired by a trip to Paris and a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

       The mayor of Blackpool visited the Great Paris Exhibition in 1889 and wanted to recreate the structure.

       It was declared a Grade 1 listed building in 1973.

       The Blackpool Tower was made a listed building in 1973 Credit: Getty

       29th Dec 2023, 16:10 By Charlotte Everett

       Public asked not to fly drones amid Blackpool Tower fire

       The Lancashire Fire and Rescue team have asked the public not to fly drones at this time.

       They said: "The drone team are in operation so please do not fly drones in the area as you may obstruct emergency operations."

       Blackpool tower is on fire Credit: Twitter

       29th Dec 2023, 16:00 By Charlotte Everett

       Blackpool Tower fire could cause 'significant disruption'

       The Blackpool Tower fire could cause "significant disruption" according to Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

       The team said: "There may be significant disruption so please stay away from the area."

       It's not yet known what caused the fire.

       infer-no Fire engines rush to Blackpool Tower ‘blaze’ - but it's really orange netting

       28th Dec 2023, 15:50 By Charlotte Everett

       Six fire crews tackling Blackpool Tower blaze

       Six fire crews are in attendance as they tackle the Blackpool Tower blaze, it has been reported.

       There are "six fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team" currently at the site.

       Lancashire Fire and Rescue have asked the public to stay away from the scene.

       28th Dec 2023, 15:40 By Charlotte Everett

       Visitors evacuated from Blackpool Tower due to fire

       Visitors have been evacuated from Blackpool Tower after the tourist attraction set on fire.

       Tourists have been told to "stay away" as fire crews try to put the blaze out.

       Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We 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."

       Fire crews are at the scene Credit: Twitter

       28th Dec 2023, 15:36 By Charlotte Everett

       Fire service issues statement

       The Lancashire Fire & Rescue service has issued a statement regarding the Blackpool Tower fire.

       "We have 6 fire engines, the drone team and the rope rescue team currently in attendance at a fire on Promenade, Blackpool," the team wrote on X.

       "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."

       28th Dec 2023, 15:31 By Charlotte Everett

       Fire crews called to Blackpool Tower as blaze breaks out

       Fire crews are at Blackpool Tower as a blaze has broken out.

       Flames have been seen in a metal section of the landmark as firefighters try to put the blaze out.

       Lancashire police are also at the scene.

       Blackpool Tower has been seen on fire Credit: Twitter