Huge blaze sparks mass evacuation

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/lancashire/8015767.stm

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Up to 200 people were moved from their homes during a major fire in a residential area of Blackpool.

About 70 firefighters tackled the blaze, which destroyed an unfinished block of flats in Talbot Road.

The timber frame went up in flames at 0435 BST. It was surrounded by residential properties, some of which have been damaged in the fire.

No one has been injured. Residents are being accommodated at Blackpool Sports Centre until the area is made safe.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "The construction... was in the middle of a highly populated residential area, resulting in the evacuation.

"The fire is almost out, with crews checking for hot spots and dampening down.

"An investigation is under way."