The huge farm fire in Blidworth has been declared a 'major incident' by fire crews - and nearby residents are being evacuated. As many as 15 fire engines from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire are at the scene of the large-scale incident.
The fire - near Sykebreck Farm, in Blidworth Lane close to Blidworth Bottoms - was first reported at 1.35pm on Tuesday, July 19: a day in which temperatures have already surpassed 40C in London and are expected to come close to that in Nottinghamshire.
In an update, a spokesman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it had been declared a 'major incident', adding: "Local residents are being evacuated by authorities as the forest fire continues."
Read more: Live Nottinghamshire fire updates as huge fire in Blidworth declared 'major incident'
People in the area have been told to keep windows and doors shut. Witnesses have caught the dramatic incident - on what's likely to be the hottest day ever in Nottinghamshire since records began - on camera. Taking to Twitter, one woman wrote: "My woods are on fire, the fields around it too. I could cry. Thank you @nottsfire, you guys are doing an amazing job at the Blidworth fire."
The nearby Haywood Oaks Lane has been closed in both directions from Dale Lane to the A614 Old Rufford Road. A spokesperson for the fire service said there were no injuries reported at this time.
At 7:30pm, the fire service spokesperson said 15 appliances remained at the scene and they expected to the there for some time.
Earlier in the day, a spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service urged people to avoid the area where possible and for people living nearby to keep windows and doors closed. No injuries have been reported and no animals have been affected.
A spokesperson for the police confirmed residents were being allowed to return to their homes at around 6pm. The spokesperson said: "Earlier we assisted our fire service colleagues in the evacuation of local residents as a precaution due to this incident. Crews are still tackling the blaze and road closures remain in place. However residents are now being allowed to return home."
It's just one of many incidents firefighters have been dealing with amid the soaring temperatures. Trains have been affected by an entirely separate fire near Lowdham Railway Station. While Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have also declared a 'major incident' due to high demand across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
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