The RHO Hills fire in Blackpool on May 8, 1967, was a devastating event that led to the complete destruction of the iconic department store located on Bank Hey Street. The fire started shortly after midnight, around 12:20 AM, and within 15 minutes, flames were already visible from miles away. The store’s night watchman, Owen Davey, was the first to notice the fire during a routine security check when he detected smoke and discovered a raging fire on the second floor. Despite a swift response from approximately 60 firefighters from Blackpool, Preston, and the Lancashire County Brigade, the fire quickly spread throughout the five-story building. The blaze reached heights of 100 feet, creating a dramatic scene as it illuminated the night sky. The intensity of the fire was such that even after hours of firefighting, with 16 water jets and three water towers being deployed, the building was reduced to a smoking ruin by dawn.
The fire posed a significant threat to the surrounding area, particularly Blackpool Tower. Firefighters worked to protect the Tower by directing hoses at it to prevent the flames from spreading, as the heat had already begun to affect nearby structures. Sparks and debris from the fire were blown onto adjacent rooftops, increasing the risk of further damage. Dense smoke from the fire filled the surrounding streets, causing major disruptions to traffic and drawing large crowds of onlookers, leading to congestion and diversions throughout the day. In the aftermath of the fire, the building was rebuilt and reopened in 1968, though it eventually changed ownership and later closed in 1987. The RHO Hills fire remains a significant event in Blackpool’s history, remembered for both the destruction it caused and the efforts made to contain it.
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