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Rushmere Heath: Firefighters tackle gorse blaze

Gareth Perkins A fire at Rushmere HeathGareth Perkins
The fire service said it had surrounded the fire, in a large section of gorse on Rushmere Heath

Firefighters are tackling a large gorse blaze on the outskirts of a town.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called at 17:40 BST to reports of a fire measuring about one-and-a-half hectares on Rushmere Heath, on the edge of Ipswich, it said.

Large plumes of smoke have been seen across the town.

The fire service has asked people to avoid the area and residents living near the heath have been asked to keep all windows and doors shut.

Gareth Perkins A firefighter with a hoseGareth Perkins
Six crews tackled the blaze, the fire service said

It said six fire engines were on site and the fire was surrounded.

Ipswich Town FC advised supporters travelling to Portman Road for the Carabao Cup tie against Colchester United to follow advice from the fire service.

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Station manager Andy Message said: "They [fire crews] have worked very hard in arduous conditions and will remain on scene for some time dampening down and knocking down some hot spots.

"Just as a reminder to the public - at the moment conditions are very dry, if you can do your best to avoid naked flames outside in barbecues and bonfires outside.

"At the moment we're exceptionally busy and expect to be over the next few days."

Steve Martin/BBC Plume of smoke over houses in IpswichSteve Martin/BBC
Large plumes of smoke can be seen across Ipswich
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