‘It was quite horrifying’ - 20ft flames in fire that destroyed bungalow and mobile home

Norfolk Fire and Rescue crews from across the county were called to the blaze at a property off Cromer Road in Trimingham, and a pall of thick, black smoke could be seen for miles around.

The blaze broke out on the main coastal route through the village, south-east of Cromer, and near to the back street of Staden Park.

John Baker, a station manager who was in charge at the scene, said luckily no-one was hurt in the blaze, which was reported at 2.20pm on Monday, June 3.

Mr Baker said: "It was a very severe fire. When we got here the mobile home was well alight with 20 foot flames going up into the air.

"There was big, black, toxic smoke.

"It spread to adjacent hedge and it also spread to an adjacent bungalow."

Mr Baker said the bungalow and mobile home were destroyed, and the fire had also spread to a garage, which was partially damaged.

Neighbours Barry and Jennifer Hugman were shocked by the scale of the fire.

Black smoke rising from the scene of the blaze in Trimingham in north Norfolk. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Mrs Hugman said she had heard what she described as an "explosion".

She said: "I was sitting outside reading and I heard an explosion. I thought somebody had lit a bonfire. I came outside and I thought 'that's a lot of smoke for a bonfire'.

"I saw the flames. It was quite horrifying."

Mr Baker said neighbours had done an "excellent job" checking everybody was out of the buildings, and stopping traffic from coming through.

Fire crews at the scene of a blaze in Trimingham, north Norfolk. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

Norfolk police were also on the scene and set up a cordon across the road, with a diversion in place for motorists.

Fire engines from Cromer, Sheringham, Aylsham, Taverham, Sprowston, Martham and Great Yarmouth were called in, as well as a water carrier and support team from Fakenham and an aerial ladder platform from Earlham.

The fire had been brought under control by 5pm, but fire crews were still at the scene and the road diversion remained in place.

The East of England Ambulance Service was also informed, but did not need to attend.

Fire crews on the scene of the blaze in Trimingham in north Norfolk. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)

Additional reporting by David Bale.

Fire crews on the scene of the blaze in Trimingham in north Norfolk. Picture: DAVID BALE (Image: Archant)