A major fire broke out at Britain’s oldest cliff lift today (Mon).<br /><br />Firefighters scrambled to Saltburn Cliff Tramway at around 10.30am after staff opened up and saw smoke billowing from the 140-year-old building.<br /><br />Fortunately no one was hurt in the blaze and the two trams were half-way up the cliff so escaped any damage.<br /><br />It is not clear what caused the blaze but it is understood fire investigators believe faulty electrical wiring may be to blame.<br /><br />Redcar and Cleveland Council said staff spotted smoke coming from the tramway when they opened the station in the morning. <br /><br />The distinctive landmark opened in 1884 and is the oldest water-balanced cliff ‘funicular’ still in operation in Britain and the second oldest in the world. <br /><br />It closed during the pandemic and was shut for several years after a maintenance test but re-opened in June 2022.<br /><br />A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Three fire engines are currently in attendance from Redcar, Saltburn, and Skelton. <br /><br />“Four breathing apparatus (BA) and a hose reel are in use. Crews remain on scene.”<br /><br />A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokesperson said: "Staff found smoke coming from the Tramway when they opened the station at around 10.30 this morning. <br /><br />“No-one was injured and the Promenade remains closed in the area around the Tramway while the Fire Brigade deals with the incident."
