Neighbours in a Nottinghamshire village have described a huge fire which led to hundreds of homes being evacuated as "like something out of a film". A major incident was declared on Tuesday, July 19, the hottest day the country has ever recorded, after a huge woodland blaze in Blidworth.
At its peak, locals say there were 77 firefighters all working to bring the fire under control, while police closed roads and took residents from their homes, with others encouraged to keep their windows closed to combat the thick smoke seen overhead. In a statement the following day, the fire service said: "We still have five appliances currently at the incident in Blidworth.
"The fire is under control and crews are working hard to extinguish any hotspots that may appear. Let's hope the weather is on our side today, but we want to remind you all to stay safe outdoors."
