Seven homes have been evacuated after a huge fire broke out from a restaurant in a picturesque town. Fire crews from Greater Manchester are part of a major response to deal with the blaze this morning (August 2) in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.
Firefighters were called out to La Perla Italian restaurant, at Burlees House, just before 2.15am amid reports people were trapped in the building. Thankfully, no one has been hurt in the fire, Yorkshire Live reports.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area, while neighbours are being told to keep windows and doors closed. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said 12 people had been evacuated in the early hours of the morning, while buildings either side of the restaurant were saved.
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The restaurant, which had only been open for a year, is believed to have been completely gutted by the fire. Local councillor Josh Fenton-Glynn lives near to the scene and was woken up at around 3am. He says the building contains several business and is also a base for artists and a photographer.
"It was honestly terrifying," he added. Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley, said: "Sad to see this iconic mill go up in flames during the night.
"Thankfully there are no known casualties. The town centre is currently closed off and people living in the town centre of Hebden Bridge are advised to keep windows and doors closed."
At least 10 fire engines have been in attendance, with crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service joining colleagues from West Yorkshire and Lancashire. Toby May, Hebden Bridge fire incident commander, said: "On arrival crews were met with a very significant fire within a traditional stone building in Hebden Bridge - quite a large building.
"That fire quite quickly developed and then basically the building was 100% involved in the fire at one stage. For ourselves we made the incident - 10 fire engines and two large aerials so we could supress the fire as quickly as possible.
"The main focus for ourselves was the adjacent properties, so the dwellings to the left-hand side of the building involved and there are dwellings to the right-hand side, and I am so proud of the crews and the job they have done. As it stands at the minute, those properties have not been affected whatsoever.
"We had to initiate an evacuation of approximately seven houses, and thank you to the residents who have supported us today as it is quite disruptive for them. We had to get them out of their properties quite quickly, and they have been receiving some welfare.
"And, as it stands at the minute, while there might be some slight smoke damage, none of the properties have been affected by fire."
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