Emergency services are currently on the scene of a large fire in Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, which has destroyed a nursery and several homes.
UPDATE 20/7 8.00 AM - MK Veterinary Group issue an update
A spokesperson wrote on social media this morning: "We have been allowed back into the surgery at Walnut Tree this morning but there is still a police cordon in place following the fire at neighbouring properties yesterday.
"Our team are on site but access is extremely limited so please do not visit the surgery unless absolutely necessary. Our branches are all open if you need us and our reception team are available on the phone for advice
"Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of help and support, and to the emergency services, local centre businesses and Tawny Owl pub for everything they have done and continue to do for us and the community"
UPDATE 19/7 7.55 PM - Bucks Fire and Rescue declare 'major incident'
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have declared a 'major incident' in the last few minutes.
Read more in our latest story here.
UPDATE 19/7 6.55 PM - Fire under control
A MK Council source has told MKFM that the fire is now under control. A number of properties have been completely destroyed and a number more damaged by heat, smoke or water. The fire authority, police and council worked well together, and the local pub and Tesco Extra also helped.
There will be a number of appliances on site overnight to continue to dampen the site and stop it starting again. The residents evacuated will be supported as much as possible.
UPDATE 19/7 5:15 PM - MKFM hears from MK Council Leader.
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."
Image: @sam_films_stuff
UPDATE 19/7 4:55 PM - Bucks Fire and Rescue reduce incident response
A spokesperson said: "Crews and partner agencies working very hard to manage the incident and to support all those effected. At its peak 15 appliances and crew from across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Services attended.
"One single story building and three two story domestic properties 100% damaged by fire. With further properties damaged by smoke. Multiple vehicles damaged by fire also.
"A total of 39 properties have been evacuated. All shops on the Walnut Tree Centre closed but no evacuation required.
"One female adult suffered smoke inhalation and left in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.
"Firefighters have used five main jet hoses, five hose reels and one turn table ladder, two water carriers, four breathing apparatus.
"Crews are now damping down and turning over to make the area safe."
UPDATE 19/7 3:55 PM - Road closures
V11 Tongwell Street between Walnut Tree and Browns Wood roundabouts is closed due to the major incident in Walnut Tree.
Please avoid this area and use an alternative route, MK Council says.
UPDATE 19/7 3:30 PM - MK Council update
MK Council say due to the fire, gas and electricity have been switched off. This is affecting Walnut Tree and nearby areas.
Two rest areas have been set up at the Tawny Owl pub and Heronsbrook Meeting Place.
Affected residents should go to the meeting place and let council staff know they have arrived.
UPDATE 19/7 2:10 PM - Update from Bucks Fire and Rescue
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue say: "12 appliances and crews along with 12 officers are currently at the scene of a fence fire which has spread to neighbouring buildings.
"Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire. Evacuations of nearby buildings and cordons in place around the area. Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service are also in attendance.
"Our control room is receiving multiple calls. To help with demand please remember to dial 999 responsibly, in emergency situations, which includes when a life is in danger or property is in danger. Residents nearby asked to keep doors and window closed, and drivers to avoid areas as multiple road closures in place."
Bucks Fire and Rescue updates can be found here.
Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station has told MKFM that crew from Leighton Buzzard are also in attendance.
UPDATE 19/7 1:45 PM - MK Council set up rest centres
Leader of MK Council, Cllr Peter Marland, has tweeted: "We have a major fire incident in Walnut Tree. Bucks Fire are at the scene. Residents have been evacuated and MK Council have established a rest centre."
Local residents have started to offer rooms and clothes to those affected by the fire on a local Facebook group.
UPDATE 19/7 1:38 PM - Update from KiddiCaru Nursery and MK Veterinary Group
MKFM understands that the children at KiddiCaru Nursery, off Fyfield Barrow, have been evacuated to Blackberry Clinic and are all safe.
The nursery, Kiddi Caru, has posted on social media: "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. All the children and our staff team have been safely evacuated. Further updates will follow."
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
MKFM also understands the animals and veterinary staff at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group are all safe.
UPDATE 19/7 12:45 PM - Drone footage
A local resident caught drone footage of the fire at around 12:45 pm.
UPDATE 19/7 12:39 PM - MKFM receives reports of a large fire in Walnut Tree
This article will be updated as more information comes in.
