A LARGE area of the dunes north of the fishermen’s sheds was left scorched and blackened after a late night fire that could be seen from the village.

Nine appliances from Martham, Gorleston, Gt Yarmouth and Cromer were called to deal with the blaze just before 9.30pm on August 23.

Firefighters had to cut away bushes and take out a bollard at the North Market Road entrance to get access to the reserve and one crew was given assistance by resident Alan Hodds who used his tractor to free their engine after it got stuck in the sand.

Crews were still there damping down in the morning and had to be called back the following day when there were signs it could flare up again.

Parish councillor Dawn Clegg updated villagers the next day on social media to say she and colleague Marina Carr had been down to inspect the access.

She added: “Norfolk Fire Service would like to thank the villagers for all their assistance last night, with thanks also to Poppy’s and some residents for their refreshments and cakes today, it was very much appreciated.”

The cause of the blaze is not known. A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman told the newsletter: “At incidents such as this it can be difficult to ascertain a cause unless it was witnessed. For this particular incident the cause of the fire was unknown.”

Summer saw dozens of wildfires in the county. Twenty homes were destroyed and acres of natural landscape were damaged.

The brigade has issued fire prevention advice for the dry conditions, including not using barbecues on open grassland or dune.   Disposable barbecues are a significant fire risk and cannot be recycled anyway.

It says: "Embers and wind movement of fire tend to be the cause of most wildfires particularly those reaching  property in rural areas. 

"Embers can travel when driven by windy conditions which can cause spot fires further away. Wildfires have sadly been witnessed recently by many Norfolk residents. 

“The impact has been very clear. This has raised awareness of the potential fire risks during periods of extreme temperatures for those living near to the countryside.”   

For more fire safety guidance visit: norfolk.gov.uk/safety/norfolk-fire-and-rescue-service/wildfires-and-heatwaves