A major incident was declared in Norfolk as firefighters face sustained strain from multiple emergencies, with life risk and property at the forefront of prioritization as crews respond.

There are 16 active emergencies, including a fire at Mousehold Heath in Norwich and another at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham, Thetford, prompting widespread resource demands.

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

Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to safeguard safety and aid response efforts.

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

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

Police also closed Mousehold Lane and Gurney Road to assist firefighting, and drivers were advised to avoid the area.

Public guidance emphasized calling 999 only for genuine emergencies, noting potential delays for non-life-risk incidents due to resource constraints.

The major incident was declared effective at 15:15 BST, with priority given to life risk and property.

Thick smoke from the fire on Mousehold Heath is visible across Norwich.

Officials warned that response times for non-life-risk incidents may be slower as resources are stretched.

Crews are on scene, beginning with a unit from Sprowston, with additional crews en route to the Norwich fire.