At least 80 people are evacuated from their homes as firefighters battle 30ft flames after huge blaze erupts in gas main near Peterborough
- Firefighters were called to the scene of large blaze in Peterborough 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 Peterborough 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.
Six hours after the first reports, rescue teams are still battling the blaze, though there aren’t any reports of injuries.
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
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.
Evacuated residents have been organised into household bubbles to comply with coronavirus social distancing measures.
A spokesman for gas company Cadent said the gas supply is not expected to explode as it is outside.
Group Commander Kelly said it was hoped the gas could be shut off by about 7.30am.
He added that four fire engines remain at the scene of the ‘severe’ fire.
Six hours after the first reports, rescue teams are still battling the blaze, though there aren’t any reports of injuries
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.’