Blackpool seafront on fire with police warning 'avoid area' as people evacuated

A massive fire has broken out at the North Promenade in Blackpool as firefighters battle to control the blaze. Police have warned the public to avoid the area of the seaside city.

A derelict former hotel is understood to have gone up in flames as properties nearby the building on Wilton Parade, near to the North Promenade have been evacuated.

Eight fire engines are currently in attendance, with nearby Dickson Road also blocked off while crews work at the scene. The displaced residents have been reportedly advised to get accommodation at the nearby Imperial Hotel.

"Please stay safe my family been evacuated just glad there safe," one person posted on social media. "Residents of neighbouring properties have been evacuated to the imperial hotel for the time being," another said.

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."

Lancashire Police have confirmed this evening that the fire has erupted at the Strand Lodge hotel, in Blackpool. The derelict building went up in flames at around 5.38pm today. Emergency crews remain in attendance and a number of roads have been closed off.

A Lancashire police spokesperson 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."

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."