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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Jillian MacMath

Large fire at 152-year-old Blackpool Central Pier as firefighters try to save it

Firefighters were called to Blackpool Central Pier in the early hours of the morning (July 17) after a large fire took hold.

Ten fire crews have been working to put out the fire after around 50 firefighters were called to the 152-year-old attraction just after 3am.

Photos show large flames pouring from a building on the middle of the pier, with firefighters work to put it out from the ground below.

A fire erupted at Blackpool Central Pier in the early hours of Friday morning (South Shore Fire Station)
The extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed (South Shore Fire Station)

Incident commander Mark Winder, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire involved a workshop and a ride that are approximately halfway along the central pier.

"Fortunately early firefighter action has extinguished the fire to the extent there is no visible flame," he said.

He said an investigation is now taking place into the cause of the fire.

Crew respond to large fire at Blackpool Central Pier (South Shore Fire Station)
Flames have been extinguished at the pier (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service)

A number of road closure which were in place during the incident have now been lifted.

The number of responders on the scene has been reduced to three fire crews, who will be monitoring hot spots and damping down, the fire service said just after 8am.

The extent of the damage has not yet been revealed.

South Shore Fire Station said its Fylde Coast firefighters were "once again working in arduous conditions to save a historical Blackpool land mark."

They added: "The pier was well alight but fortunately, outstanding team work bought the fire swiftly under control."

The pier, which opened in 1868, suffered previous fires in 1964 and 1973 which destroyed its theatre buildings.

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