Devastation after major blaze in sand dunes at nature reserve

The blaze scorched the dunes in St Annes, sending thick smoke blowing along the seafront and over roads.

Five fire crews were called to deal with the blaze, which damaged a large area of grassland within the nature reserve.

Police closed Clifton Drive north in both directions and appealed for people to stay away from the area.

A neighbouring rest home was evacuated as a precaution.

A spokesman for Lancashire fire and rescue said yesterday: "We had five fire engines at a grass fire on Clifton Drive in Lytham St Anne's.

"We're now damping down, but if you're close by, please keep your windows and doors closed."

The number 7 number 11 buses were diverted via Highbury road, Kilnhouse Lane, Queensway and Squires Gate Lane.

Lytham fire station tweeted:"Crews from five pumps battled to bring fire under control before it reached adjacent housing.

"Extended hosereels, jets and beaters used. Tragic loss of wildlife and habitat."

The fire comes after a blaze on Lytham Green yesterday afternoon when a BBQ blew over.

Wesham crew manager Fraser Smith tweeted: "After effects of a blown over lit BBQ on Lytham Green, very lucky nobody got hurt. No BBQ on the green."

The area has already seen two major wildfires this week, with major incidents declared at moorlands at Winter Hill and Saddleworth in Greater Manchester, with hundreds of firefighters currently engaged in battling the blazes.