90 people evacuated from homes after ‘severe’ fire ruptures gas main

Ninety people were evacuated from their homes in the early hours of Sunday (Picture: PA)

Ninety people have been forced to abandon their homes due to a huge fire in Hyholmes, North Bretton.

The blaze broke out at 12.31am this morning, with crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Services rushing to the scene. Group Commander Danny Kelly said they discovered a gas mains supply on fire, causing a leak, with gas engineers now working to reduce the pressure.

Those evacuated have been moved to a nearby performing arts theatre as the fire is handled.

Earlier this morning Commander Kelly said: ‘We are at a large incident involving a gas main which was ruptured. Fire services were called earlier this morning at 12.50am to a believed small fire in the garden.

Firefighters discovered a gas mains supply on fire (Picture: PA)

‘When the crews arrived they discovered quite a large gas main on fire. Currently on the scene we have four fire engines and two water carriers standing by.

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

He described the fire as ‘severe’ and confirmed people had been evacuated from the surrounding area.

Firefighters have set up hose reels to prevent the fire spreading to nearby properties, while a 100 metre cordon is in place. People are advised to avoid the general area of the fire.

Those evacuated have been moved to a nearby performing arts theatre as the fire is handled (Picture: PA)

Commander Kelly also noted that the crews were ‘managing covid’ and ensuring those evacuated were being kept in their ‘bubbles and households’ amid the incident.

The firefighters hope to shut the gas off and get everyone back inside their homes by early morning.

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