Large flames and thick smoke could be seen from a distance after a blaze began on the Norfolk coast.

Several fire crews were called to tackle the flames at Snettisham Coastal Park just after 11.30am on Tuesday (July 19).

Six fire engines arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a fire in the open.

Eastern Daily Press: Crews have seen more than 70 call-outs in one dayCrews have seen more than 70 call-outs in one day (Image: Les Bunyan)

The appliances from West Walton, Swaffham, Dereham and King's Lynn are currently at the scene.

Witness Les Bunyan said he had spotted the smoke from the A149.

Eastern Daily Press: Multiple fire crews are battling the blazeMultiple fire crews are battling the blaze (Image: Chris Bishop)

He said: "I'm a tour guide for Wild Ken Hill and live two miles away so wanted to see where about it was.

Eastern Daily Press: A witness said thick smoke could be seen from the A149A witness said thick smoke could be seen from the A149 (Image: Les Bunyan)

"It was confined to the coastal park west of the inner sea defence."

Eastern Daily Press: The fire was said to be heading towards a campsite in HeachamThe fire was said to be heading towards a campsite in Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

Dominic Buscall, Wild Ken Hill manager, said that while it was too early to say how bad the damage was, a lot of wildlife has been lost.

He said: "Unfortunately we have a bad fire in the coastal park at Wild Ken Hill.

Eastern Daily Press: Smoke seen billowing in the distance in SnettishamSmoke seen billowing in the distance in Snettisham (Image: Chris Bishop)

"Too early to say how bad the damage is, but certainly much wildlife lost.

"Climate change is here and we need a massive acceleration in our efforts against it."

Eastern Daily Press: Wildlife laid destroyed following the blazeWildlife laid destroyed following the blaze (Image: Chris Bishop)

Wildlife could be seen destroyed following the blaze with smoke billowing in the background.

Eastern Daily Press: Thick smoke could be seen billowing from the fireThick smoke could be seen billowing from the fire (Image: Chris Bishop)

Witnesses were left shocked after the fire spread along the west Norfolk coastline towards a campsite in Heacham.

One local said the campsite had been evacuated with diggers on standby to create a fire break.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed firefighters were still battling the blaze.