Bucks Fire and Rescue declared a 'major incident' after a large fire broke out in Walnut Tree, destroying and damage to a nursery and homes.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue have taken to social media to state that crews are now damping down on the scene and making the area safe following a major incident in Walnut Tree today (19/7).
Around 15 appliances and crews were at the scene of the large fire in Milton Keynes at its height, which has left a nursery and three homes destroyed, according to the fire service.
Bucks Fire and Rescue has also reported that a total of 39 properties have been evacuated.
One female adult suffered smoke inhalation and left in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.
MK Council has set up two rest areas for those affected in the Tawny Owl pub and Heronsbrook Meeting Place.
READ MORE - Emergency services on scene of large fire in Milton Keynes
Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes Council, told MKFM: "We are obviously dealing with a major incident in Walnut Tree. Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue have now declared a major incident. There are 12 appliances on site, it looks like a fence panel has caught light, which has spread to the nursery and surrounding properties and it looks like they have been severely damaged or destroyed.
"We have been able to reunite all the children with their parents, so that is good news. The utilities have been cut off, gas and electric to neighbouring properties and therefor, the council has set up two local respite centres to make sure local residents get all the support that they need.
"We are asking other properties nearby to close their doors and windows to stop smoke but we are also making sure that people don't travel to the area. Please don't travel to the area to look at the incident, because we need the emergency services to be concentrating on dealing with this major incident, not dealing with bystanders.
"The council and other emergency services will make sure that more information comes into the public domain when it is available."
The local nursery has received praise from residents across Milton Keynes for the staff's swift actions to ensure the safety of the children.
Staff at Kiddi Caru safely evacuated all children who have now been reunited with their families.
One resident wrote on social media: 'I was outside the shops when the fire started and saw you evacuate the children, quickly and calmly. It really was very impressive.'
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: A neighbouring property next to our Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in #Walnut Tree, #MiltonKeynes has caught fire and the emergency services are in attendance.
— Kiddi Caru (@Kiddicaru) July 19, 2022
All the children and our staff team have been safely evacuated. Further updates will follow. pic.twitter.com/skwXeVriJz
Residents across the Walnut Tree area and the rest of Milton Keynes have started to show their support by offering help to those affected.
Food, toys, clothes and somewhere to stay are among the offers for those affectedd
One resident said 'I’m actually overwhelmed by the amount of people that are offering stuff.'
MKFM understands the local community shop has offered to donate clothing. A spokesperson said: "Please come to the shop to check what is available."
READ MORE - Emergency services on scene of large fire in Milton Keynes
