Specsavers jokes it is giving ‘free eye tests’ in Blackpool after ‘fire’ at iconic tower turns out to be orange netting

Specsavers joked about offering ‘free eye tests’ in Blackpool after false reports of a ‘fire’ at the iconic seaside town’s tower sparked chaos.

Pictures and videos of the ‘flames’ coming from the top of the 520ft cast iron structure quickly went viral across social media before it was revealed to be orange netting.

The ‘fire’ appeared to be just above a viewing area known as the Blackpool Tower Eye. 

A concerned member of the public called the emergency services at 14.14pm yesterday before Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service deployed six engines to the scene.

A team of specialist climbers were also seen on the Promenade.

A police helicopter was sent to investigate the true cause of the fire and it was quickly released the ‘flames’ were actually orange netting flapping in the wind.

Police said at around 4.30pm yesterday: ‘We can confirm what can be seen is orange netting.’

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: ‘Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Promenade, Blackpool today by concerned members of the public, due to a combination of factors that led them to believe there was a fire.

‘The area where the fire was suspected is generally inaccessible, therefore access to this area is difficult. 

‘A specialist rope rescue team 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 (fire service drones were unable to fly due to the windy weather conditions).’

An outpouring of concern on social media for the tower and the public’s safety quickly turned into hilarious memes about the false report after the panic was quelled.

Specsavers were the ‘internet winner of the day’ after they offered ‘free eye tests in Blackpool tomorrow’. 

And EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison was ridiculed by social media users on yesterday after sharing an ill-timed ‘tribute’ to Blackpool Tower.

Janet and Dave Evans were enjoying tea and scones in the Tower Ballroom yesterday when they were ordered to evacuate.

Janet, 62, said: ‘I had to leave my scone and cup of tea! People were dancing and having a great time when the music stopped and we were told to evacuate.

‘It was a little worrying but people kept calm. We have been told if we come back, we can go back in.’

Janet, a secretary from Anglesey, added: ‘It was a concern seeing all the fire engines and people with climbing gear. I’m just glad it was a false alarm.’

Divisional Commander Ch Supt Karen Edwards said yesterday afternoon: ‘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.’

A witnesses yesterday described scenes of ‘absolute chaos’ around the landmark.

The tower dates from 1894 and was the brainchild of Sir John Bickerstaffe, one of the former mayors of Blackpool who became inspired after visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It is well known to viewers of Strictly Come Dancing, with the ballroom hosting the annual Blackpool special.

The ballroom reopened in 2021 following a £1.1million refurbishment.

The work uncovered some incredibly rare and unusual finds – all discovered in the angel figures adorning the ceiling.

These have included newspapers dating back to 1911, old cigarette packs which would be museum pieces today and even an old walking stick, believed to date back to the early fifties.

The renovation works took place following an earlier fire in the building, which caused severe damage to the ballroom.

Up to 12 people were stranded at the top of the tower after a fire broke out at the iconic landmark in 2018.

It later emerged that contractors working on the roof of the building at the base of the tower started a small fire which triggered the smoke alarm.

A much larger fire in December 1956 destroyed part of the ballroom’s dance floor and a restaurant underneath. Restoration took two years and cost £500,000.

The ballroom was built between 1897 and 1898 to the designs of Frank Matcham who also designed Blackpool Grand Theatre and it opened in 1899.

Dancing was not originally allowed on Sundays, instead, sacred music was played.

Other rules included ‘gentlemen may not dance unless with a lady’ and that ‘disorderly conduct means immediate expulsion’.

While the rules have relaxed, the venue is still regarded as one of the country’s premier ballroom dancing venues.