A DEVASTATING fire which destroyed part of Blackpool's Golden Mile may have been started deliberately, fire officers said.

Grab City amusement arcade, Central Promenade, was completely destroyed by the fire which started at about 12.30am and raged for several hours early on Monday (October 21), also damaging adjacent properties.

One woman was rescued and more than 30 people were led to safety as the blaze engulfed the three-storey building.

At first the fire was thought to have started in a neon sign but fire investigation officers now think it could have been started deliberately.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the investigation was ongoing. "Evidence is still being gathered together. The initial reports of an electrical, accidental cause have not been discounted but it is looking as though it may have been caused deliberately," he said.

Investigating officers began combing the wreckage on Monday for clues. Sniffer dogs were also brought in -- a routine investigation measure -- to trace any accelerants which could have been used.

The fire flared up briefly again later on Monday night, but was quickly dealt with. Fire officers used thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no areas where it could restart.

Officers said the manageress had a "lucky escape" from the blaze.

"Initial indications were that persons were trapped on the premises which by this time were well ablaze," said a Lancashire Police spokesman.

Firefighters forced their way into the back of the building and cut their way through a steel door to rescue her.

A further 30 people were moved from nearby holiday flats on Bonny Street, first to the local McDonalds restaurant and then to a hotel where they spent the rest of the night. Residents of the Pump and Truncheon pub close by were also moved.

The fire was so severe that an emergency plan, codenamed Operation Merlin, was put into action by Lancashire Fire and Rescue.

At its height 15 fire crews and engines, two aerial ladder platforms, several jets and an incidents support unit were involved in tackling the blaze and the area was heavily affected by smoke and steam and officers spent several more hours damping down.

Monday's emergency prompted the morning closure of Bonny Street, Chapel Street and New Bonny Street, along with the southbound carriageway of the prom causing a build-up of traffic in the area. Tram services were also temporarily suspended.

A Blackpool Borough Council spokeswoman said a building to the rear of Grab City was being demolished and barriers being erected round the site.

"We are working closely with all of the insurance companies to try and ensure that the site is cleared as soon as possible," she added.