Huge fire erupts near Scots caravan park leaving 600 homes without power as locals warned to avoid area

FIREFIGHTERS have been battling a huge blaze near a Scottish caravan park after it erupted yesterday afternoon. Emergency crews were scrambled to a seaside village in Elgin, Moray, after the alarm was raised at around 4.30pm. A huge fire broke out near a Scottish caravan park yesterday afternoon Credit: © Jasperimage.Com Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen billowing into the air Credit: Fubar News The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) initially deployed six appliances to the scene in Hopeman after recieving reports of grass and hedged alight. A wildfire unit and specialist resources were also sent to help extinguish the massive inferno close to West Beach Caravan Park on West Beach. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Firefighters have remained at the scene this morning as they continue to try and dampen down hotspots from the blaze. Last night, fire chiefs confirmed that the fire is around 250 metres x 100 metres. And the public has been urged to avoid the area as crews work to bring the blaze under control. Locals have also been warned to keep windows and doors closed as plumes of smoke continues to billow into the air. It’s understood that no one has been hurt as a result of the blaze, however, it caused mass powercuts in the area. Around 1,000 homes were initally left without power last night after the blaze broke out. Most read in The Sun This was then cut to around 647 homes by 10pm, with the rest expected to get power restored by around 4am today. The power cut also affecetd businesses, with one staff member at a local Key Store annoucing that it forced to shop to shut early. A post on Facebook read: “Due to the power cut caused by the fire, we have made the decision to temporarily close the shop early. “This is to ensure our fridges and freezers remain closed and temperatures are maintained while the power is off, and also in the interest of safety without lights! Flames could be sene leaping from the grass yesterday afternoon Credit: Fubar News Wildfire warning THE massive inferno comes just ten days after West Beach Caravan Park blasted a vistor who tried to start a fire bythe gorse. In a “gutting” post on social media, site workers revealed that they discovered that someone had attempted to set the area alight. The team warned that this could have devastaing consequences for the park and could cause a massive wildfire “within seconds”. Staff pleaded with locals and visitors not to light fires, have bonfires, or use charcoal BBQs in the area. The post, on Facebook, read: “Please help us prevent a wildfire. “We are absolutely gutted to have found evidence that someone has actually been trying to start a fire by the gorse. “The ground is incredibly dry just now, and the gorse and grass around the beach and surrounding area are tinder dry. “A fire could spread unbelievably quickly – what might start as a small fire could become a serious wildfire within seconds. “We are urging everyone visiting the caravan park and the beach to please NOT light fires, have bonfires or use charcoal BBQs. “Please tell the youngsters among us too – help us protect our beautiful coastline, wildlife, homes and businesses. “One spark is all it could take. We love sharing this beautiful place with everyone, but please help us keep it safe. No fires, please.” “We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Stay safe everyone.” Photos and videos from the scene show huge plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky after the blaze took hold. Huge flames could also be seen tearing through the grass as firefighters descended on the scene. The smoke soaring above houses in the town, with many claiming it could be seen for miles. Massive flames have also been seen leaping from the ground as the fire spread near the caravan park. Last night, a A SFRS spokesperson told the Daily Record: “We are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open in Hopeman, Elgin. “We were alerted at 4.33pm this afternoon and Operations Control mobilised six fire appliances, a wildfire unit and specialist resources to the scene of the fire, which is approximately 250 metres x 100 metres. “People are asked to avoid the area as crews work to extinguish the fire. “Due to a large amount of smoke in the area, nearby residents should keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. Crews remain at the scene.” The SFRS has been contacted for comment by The Scottish Sun. Comment now