Services on the Blackpool Tramway – both the core Starr Gate to Fleetwood service and planned Heritage Tram Tours – were disrupted on Sunday 6th February after fire at the base of a traction pole just south of the exit to Pleasure Beach loop. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene with Blackpool Transport’s Engineering Car 754 also on the scene.
The Fire Service were called shortly after 1315 with one fire engine from South Shore attending the scene to put the fire out using dry powder to extinguish the fire. With the overhead power isolated Engineering Car 754 was used on diesel power to also attend the scene of the fire.
Whilst the Fire Service were dealing with the incident tram services were severely disrupted. Flexity2s 010 and 008 were stranded at Rigby Road and Foxhall with 007 at a standstill at Pleasant Street during this period with no other trams noted in the section between Starr Gate and Bispham. The complete tramway was suspended and no further services ran for the rest of the day.
754 and a Blackpool Transport van wait on the southbound track. In between the two vehicles we can just see the exit to Pleasure Beach loop giving a bit of context of the location.
Another view of 754 on the tramway. In the distance we see a couple of firefighters and the fire engine still dealing with the incident.
From the other end of the cordon with the Fire Service, Police and Blackpool Transport staff all in attendance.
At Manchester Square where a stop board is in front of 010 with 008 also seen a bit further back at Foxhall. (All Photographs by Michael Morton, 6th February 2022)