A HUGE fire broke out in the Wirral last night, forcing homes to be urgently evacuated.
The fire, thought to have been started deliberately, created a "wall of flames" on marshland in Parkgate, about six miles from Liverpool city centre.
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Shocking pictures show flames creeping up towards the back garden of a home Credit: Jon Ironmonger, BBC News 5
It's thought the huge fire was started deliberately 5
Local residents were evacuated from their homes Credit: PA
Local residents were rushed from their homes by police while firefighters erected protections to the properties as the flames moved closer.
Firefighters believe the fire may have been started deliberately, but this has not yet been confirmed.
A fire investigator was at the scene where the blaze covered around 500 square metres.
Shocking footage shows flames creeping up towards the back garden of a home.
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Eyewitness Peter Guy said: "As it was such a beautiful day, lots of people ran out of the pubs and shops on the parade and were all aghast while taking pictures and videos.
"We walked away from the scene as the fire was getting bigger and every time we turned around it seemed to be getting closer.
"It was like something out of a film.
"We'd just been eating a fish and chips enjoying the sunset when we turned around and saw a small fire about 300 yards away.
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"Within seconds it billowed into a huge wall of fire which ripped through the marshland - it was scary and spectacular all at the same time.
"I'm sure lots of wildlife will have been affected or destroyed."
Station Manager Carl Nevitt, the officer in charge of the incident, said: "The marshland is a site of special scientific interest. The fire is covering around one square kilometre of the area and is being driven by wind.
"We have created fire breaks to protect properties and the police air support unit has been used to give us information on the directional spread of the blaze.
"We expect to remain at the scene for at least the next three to four hours and would ask that people stay away from the area as we tackle the fire."
A spokesperson for the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are tackling a blaze involving around 500 square metres of marshland.
"Four fire engines from Cheshire and two from Merseyside are at the scene. Crews are using beaters and hose reel jets to fight the fire.
"There are two areas of fire spreading around the marshland. Fire breaks have been put in place to protect nearby properties. Two main jets and hose reels are in use.
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"One fire engine from Powey Lane, one from Ellesmere Port, two from Chester and two from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance."
Holyhead coastguard also monitored the incident.
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Firefighters tackled the huge blaze Credit: Jon Ironmonger, BBC News 5
The fire covered around 500 square metres Credit: Jon Ironmonger, BBC News We pay for your stories!
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