Blackpool fire: Huge seafront blaze seen for miles as police issue 'avoid the area' warning
Blackpool fire: Huge seafront blaze seen for miles as police issue 'avoid the area' warning
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Police have urged people to avoid the seafront of a popular seaside town as firefighters battle a large blaze. A derelict building, understood to be a former hotel, has gone up in flames at the North Promenade in Blackpool. Local residents and people in nearby properties have reportedly been evacuated. Users on social media said the fire could be seen from several miles away.
A statement from Blackpool Council said: "There is an ongoing incident at Wilton Parade in Blackpool. The fire involves a derelict building, those close to the incident are advised to keep windows and doors shut and if possible, avoid the area, as there are road closures in place.".
Video footage shared online showed flames rising high above the disused hotel as firefighters doused it with water. Advising residents to avoid the area, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Police are on scene assisting Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service with an incident at Strand Lodge, Wilton Parade off Dixon Road. This has resulted in multiple road closures at the location. Please avoid the area if possible and plan your route accordingly.".
In an update around 9.40pm, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is "now under control". . Wilton Parade, Derby Road and Dickson Road between the junction of Bute Avenue and Warley Road are closed and will remain closed tonight, the council said.
Police told Manchester Evening News that the fire began at the Strand Lodge hotel. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. A spokesperson for the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said earlier: "We currently have eight fire engines and two aerial ladder platforms at a fire on Wilton Parade, Blackpool. The fire involves a derelict building and as a result people close to the incident are advised to keep windows and doors shut and if possible, avoid the area, as there are road closures in place." Those forced to evacuate have been advised to go to the nearby Imperial Hotel.
