Cambridgeshire fire forces at least 80 people to be evacuated from their homes

At least 80 people are evacuated from their homes as ‘severe’ blaze rips through Cambridgeshire suburb

  • Firefighters were called to the scene of large blaze in Cambridgeshire at 12.31am 
  • They discovered the blaze, which spread after a gas mains supply caught fire
  • Hose reels have been set up to prevent the fire spreading to nearby properties

A ‘severe’ blaze has forced at least 80 people to be evacuated from their homes in Cambridgeshire after a gas main caught fire. 

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) said they were called to a large blaze at Hyholmes, North Bretton in Peterborough at 12.31am on Sunday.

Group Commander Danny Kelly said crews discovered a gas mains supply on fire, causing a leak. 

Firefighters have set up hose reels to prevent the fire spreading to nearby properties, while a 100 metre cordon is in place.

Firefighters discovered a substantial fire in a building in the Peterborough suburb which was affecting a gas mains supply

Group commander Danny Kelly said four fire engines remain at the scene of the 'severe' fire

Group commander Danny Kelly said four fire engines remain at the scene of the ‘severe’ fire

CFRS said those who had been evacuated had been moved to a nearby performing arts theatre while crews work to bring the fire under control.

Group commander Danny Kelly said four fire engines remain at the scene of the ‘severe’ fire.

He said: ‘We have police, ambulance, gas and electric on site as well, working together to try to reduce and also stop the gas from leaking, which is currently on fire.

‘It is quite a severe fire at the moment. Firefighters are protecting the surrounding properties.

‘We have evacuated approximately 80 people from the surrounding area.

‘I would ask that people in the general area keep clear. There’s a lot going on for us right now, but we can reassure you that we’re doing everything we can to resolve the incident as quickly as possible.’