Eight fire engines tackle huge blaze at derelict Blackpool hotel

Residents were asked to close their windows and doors as eight fire engines were called to tackle a huge blaze in an abandoned hotel.

Fire crews were called at 2.20pm on Tuesday to King Edward Avenue in Blackpool following reports that a derelict hotel on the promenade was on fire.

Firefighters worked for two hours to bring the fire under control with motorists advised to avoid the area due to road closures being put in place.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We have eight fire engines at the scene of a fire on King Edward Avenue, Bispham.

"Firefighters were called to a derelict hotel at 2.22pm - please avoid the area if you can and close windows and doors if you are affected by the smoke."

🚨🚨 We have eight fire engines at the scene of a fire on King Edward Avenue, Bispham. Firefighters were called to derelict hotel at 14:22 - please avoid the area if you can and close windows and doors if you are affected by the smoke🚨🚨

— Lancashire Fire (@LancashireFRS) December 1, 2020

By 4.15pm, fire crews had the blaze under control and were checking for any further fire spread

The spokesperson added: "The fire is now under control at this incident, crews are dampening down and checking for any further hot spots or fire spread.

"The promenade is closed from Gunn Square to Empress Drive."

A spokesperson for the police said: "Blackpool Police are currently in attendance, alongside Lancashire Fire and Rescue service, at a fire in an abandoned hotel on the Queens Promenade.

"We ask that if possible people avoid the area due to road closures that have been put in place for public safety and to allow LFRS to tackle the fire.

"If anyone has any information about the fire or CCTV from the surrounding area please call 101 and quote log reference number 0709 of December 1."