GALLERY: More images and drone footage of today's fire in Skegness
More images – and drone footage – have been shared to Lincolnshire World of a ‘large-scale’ fire involving three properties which broke out in Skegness earlier today.
As reported, nearby homes were evacuated after a fire broke out in Old Wainfleet Road.
Eyewitnesses said emergency services were called to the area near Bubble Car Wash and Velating Ltd this afternoon. Onlookers also reported hearing what they believed to be explosions, though this has not been confirmed by emergency services.
Police have now confirmed homes in nearby Wainfleet Road were evacuated as a precaution and others living nearby have been advised to close their windows to prevent smoke entering their homes.
Smoke billowing from the source of the fire has been seen across town and residents are being advised to avoid Old Wainfleet Road where possible while emergency crews respond.
At this stage, details remain unclear and the cause of the incident has not been confirmed.
However, Skegness Police posted in the latest update on social media: “Emergency services are still on scene, and we are asking the wider public to stay away from the area and out of the streets for the time being, and to avoid being downwind of the smoke generated by the fire.
"Local residents are asked to keep doors and windows closed.”
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue described the incident as a ‘large-scale’ fire and said they deployed six appliances, an aerial ladder platform and a water carrier in efforts to extinguish a fire affecting at least three properties.
“Thankfully there have been no reported injuries, and firefighters have worked closely with local police to evacuate nearby properties,” a spokesperson said.
“Residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed, to stay out of the downwind smoke from the fire, and to avoid the area while fire crews and police continue their work.”
Earlier, police confirmed Old Wainfleet Road to Church Road south of the A52, Queens Road and Cross Street have all been closed.
“Please avoid the area if you can, and if you live nearby, please close your windows to prevent smoke from entering your property,” police said. ”We will release updates once we're able to.”
This remains a developing story and updates will follow as more information becomes available. We would like to thank John Byford for the images and Barry Robinson for the drone footage.