Panic over as it turns out there was no fire at Blackpool Tower

Seaside lovers can stop sharpening their pitchforks, as it turns out there was no fire at Blackpool Tower.

The news that the iconic landmark in the Lancashire town was ablaze sparked serious panic among fans of the place, especially when six fire engines were sent to deal with it.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service even had a rope rescue team and a drone on standby at the scene to aid in the response after the 518ft and 129-year-old tower was reported to be going up in smoke.

But rather than bright orange flames engulfing Blackpool Tower, it was merely a load of orange netting.

What a kerfuffle, eh?

According to emergency responders, concerned members of the public had alerted authorities about the alleged inferno this afternoon (28 December) 'due to a combination of factors that led them to believe it was a fire'.

A statement shared on X by Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "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."

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Police in Blackpool also reassured the public there was no cause for concern, despite them dashing to the scene.

Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards said in a Facebook post: "We are at the scene in support of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainment.

"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."

Lancashire Fire and Rescue previously issued a statement confirming they had responded to calls of a fire and warned people to stay away from Blackpool Tower.

Locals were also ordered not to fly drones in the area as crews were sending their own up to assess the supposed damage, so they obviously didn't want to be obstructed by unwanted air traffic.

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This is not the first time there has been a concern about a fire at the iconic Blackpool landmark.

Two years ago, the tower was evacuated after reports of smoke, with Lancashire Fire and Rescue deploying six fire engines that time as well.

Fire crews searched the building and found that the smoke had been caused by 'an electrical issue in the basement of a neighbouring property'.

Opened to the public in 1894, Blackpool Tower has been a popular tourist attraction ever since it was finished.

It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, though it's significantly shorter than its French counterpart, and is part of an entertainment complex that includes a circus and ballroom.

The tower took seven years to paint, and when the wind in Blackpool reaches speeds of 70mph, the top of the tower sways by an inch.

It's one of the UK's most iconic landmarks, and often the first thing people think of when they think of Blackpool.