Investigation into major blaze at Blackpool seafront hotel

Fire crews were tonight at the scene of a major blaze at a seafront Blackpool hotel.
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Firefighters were called to the property on Queens Promenade just north of Gynn Square.

It is believed the blaze is at the derelict New Hacketts Hotel.

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MORE PICTURES >> from the scene of a major fire on Blackpool PromenadeMotorists were urged to avoid the area and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service asked nearby residents to close windows and doors.

The scene of the blaze. Picture: Dan MartinoThe scene of the blaze. Picture: Dan Martino
The scene of the blaze. Picture: Dan Martino

Eight fire engines were at the scene this afternoon (Tuesday).

Lancashire Fire tweeted: "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."

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Eight fire engines and an aerial ladder platform from Blackpool, South Shore, Bispham, Fleetwood, St Anne’s, Lytham and Preesall attended the scene.

Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus used four hose reels, a thermal imagining camera and triple extension ladder to bring the fire on the second floor of the building under control.

They were assisted by a Lancashire Police drone.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

In July, Blackpool Council’s environmental protection team was called in to secure the New Hacketts Hotel following complaints of anti-social behaviour from residents and hoteliers.

Blackpool Police have also warned potential intruders to keep out of abandoned hotels, some of which have fallen into a dangerous condition.

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The 100-bedroom New Hacketts Hotel, which was put up for sale in 2018 for £1.5m, has attracted delinquents since closing around two years ago.

At around 4.20pm today fire chiefs announced the fire was under control.

They tweeted: "Crews are dampening down and checking for any further hot spots or fire spread.

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

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Another empty Blackpool seafront hotel, the Ambassador, has also been plagued by intruders and vandalism.

It was sealed off by Blackpool Council last week after being declared unsafe and demolition work began shortly afterwards.

There are plans to build flats on the site.

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