'It’s gone, everything’s gone' - Blackpool business owner issues update after Waterloo Road blaze
Smart Mart, Smart Play and South Shore Pitstop Cafe are among the businesses impacted.
A local business owner said “we’ve lost everything” after a major fire tore through a commercial property on Friday night (February 6).
Large plumes of smoke could be seen as the blaze broke out on Waterloo Road at around 11.30pm. Fifteen pumps were in attendance at the scene of the incident, with firefighters continuing to tackle the blaze throughout Saturday (February 7) and emergency services remaining on scene.
Smart Mart, Smart Play and South Shore Pitstop Cafe are among the businesses impacted, with Smart Mart owner Steve issuing an update today (Sunday, February 8).
Sharing a video on Facebook, Steve said: “I’m going to try to explain what I can, how I can and just be as honest and open as possible. We’ve lost everything haven’t we?”
In the emotional video, Steve said “it’s gone, everything’s gone” as he described seeing the shell of his former business, adding that despite knowing it was a big fire, “you’re just not prepared”.
He said he refuses to give up on his family and his local community, and explained how he will be opening a bed centre and sofa centre in temporary spaces.
Steve continued: “Let me reassure you, if you have spent £1, £10, £100, £1,000, £2,000, we will refund you for everything or we will give you another option.”
A donation page has been set up to support Smart Mart and Smart Play, with Steve noting his business doesn’t need the money and all funds with be given back to the community.
He said: “We’re gonna be giving the money back. Every penny is going back to community... I am going to fundraise for the community as well.”
Steve added that he aims to help South Shore Pitstop Cafe find a new home, stating: “A cafe’s been affected and I think I can quite quickly set that back up... I’ll pay the rent, we’re gonna set it up... I’m taking things personal.”
In an update on Saturday, South Shore Pitstop Cafe said: “Unfortunately we will be closed until further notice. We have managed to see some of the damage and it is not looking so good. We are absolutely devastated that we will be closed.
“However the most important thing is that no one has been injured.
“Nothing compares to the loss of Smart Play Blackpool and Smart Mart buildings. They have worked so hard for our community and we know they will come back bigger, stronger and even better than before.
“We are sorry to everyone impacted in this awful time and hope to be back as soon as possible. Thankyou from the bottom of our hearts for the all the support.”
Smart Play Blackpool issued a statement on Saturday. "We are absolutely devastated to share that there has been a fire at the play area," the business said. "At this time, the building and play area have been completely destroyed. We are still waiting for further information and working closely with the relevant services to understand what has happened."
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) described the scene as “complex” due to the “severity of the fire” and shared photographs of the devastation left behind.
Numerous buildings were also evacuated, with nearby residents relocated from their homes.
In an update at around 11.00pm on Saturday night, Lancashire Fire and Rescue service said road closures remain in place on Gordon Street, Waterloo Road between the junctions of Bond Street and Moore Street, and Rawcliffe Street between the junctions of Bond Street and Moore Street.
A spokesperson said: “Throughout the day, firefighters have remained at the scene tackling hotspots, damping down and ensuring the fire is surrounded. We have gradually reduced the number of appliances in attendance and this evening we have two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform remaining.
“The scene is complex given the size of the premises, severity of the fire and structural stability. We will continue to monitor and firefight throughout the night and into the morning. The cordon has been reduced, with some residents relocated from properties in close proximity to the affected building.”
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They added: “We will continue to work with partners agencies to support residents and businesses, and bring the incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible. We would like to thank the local community for their kinds words and understanding whilst we deal with this complex incident.”
The Blackpool Gazette has contacted LFRS for a further update.