A major incident was declared in Norfolk on August 13 due to multiple large-scale emergencies across the county, with 16 active incidents including a fire at Mousehold Heath in Norwich and a blaze at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the situation is under sustained strain, mobilising resources to cover a high volume of incidents and prioritising life risk and property.

Residents near the affected heath were advised to keep doors and windows shut to reduce exposure to smoke plumes.

The service has seen elevated demand this summer, including July when it mobilised 768 more engines than the previous year, averaging nearly 25 additional units per day.

Three classrooms were damaged at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy, which was closed for summer holidays and had no children on site at the time.

The head of operations described the summer as exceptionally busy, noting wildfires added to the usual emergencies but reporting no loss of life.

Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to assist response efforts and ensure safety.

Road closures were put in place on Mousehold Lane and Gurney Lane to support firefighting operations.

Police closed nearby roads to aid firefighting, with drivers told to steer clear of the area.

The fire at Mousehold Heath produced thick smoke visible across Norwich.

Crews attended Mousehold Heath continuously from mid-afternoon into the following morning, with involvement from a large number of stations across the county.

Responders warned that non-life-risk incidents may take longer to meet due to limited remaining resources.