Firefighters are battling a huge blaze on the seafront of a popular UK seaside town, police have urged people to avoid the area.
At the North Promenade in Blackpool, a derelict building, thought to be a former hotel, has gone up in flames. Local residents and people in nearby properties have reportedly been evacuated. Users on social media said the fire on Blackpool’s seafront could be seen from several miles away, the Mirror reports.
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.”
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.”
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: “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.
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