Coronation Street 'fire' worries fans, sparks emergency calls

Coronation Streetfansand local firefightersjumped into action Tuesday eveningafter an explosion and fire were reported at the popular British soap opera'sstudio in Manchester, England.

Three fire enginesrushed to the show'sTraffordPark studios after smoke and flames were spotted leaping from the buildings.

Concerned residents took to Twitter to post pictures of the scene.

Can't see the tweet? See it here.

Despite the apparent emergency, the source of the drama turned out to be special effects from an upcoming episode.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the situation and tweeted out a reassuring message to concerned fans.

"The Coronation Street set IS NOT on fire!" reads the message."People have reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames but it was part of special effects."

Coronation Street television network ITVsaid the effects were for astorylineinvolving a fire at the Victoria Court flats, the BBC reported.

The episode in question is expected toair in May.

Set in the fictional working-class community of Weatherfield,Coronation Streethas been chronicling its characters' lives since 1960, with an endearingly popular mix of social realism, melodrama and humour.

Many of the show's loyal followers united in grief earlier this year when actressAnne Kirkbride, who played DeirdreBarlow, died after more than 4 decades in the role.

Canadian fans of the show cancatch Coronation Street on CBC. Listings and fullepisodescan be found on www.cbc.ca/coronation/.