Bungalow destroyed after fire spreads from hedge

A bungalow was destroyed when a huge blaze spread from a hedge, with firefighters hampered by a lack of water from hydrants.

Up to seven crews from Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire were called into tackle the fire in Cox Bank, near Audlem in Cheshire at about 15:30 BST, on Tuesday.

The fire had spread from the hedge to a large bungalow, outbuildings, and grassland. Its elderly occupants escaped without injury.

Shropshire's fire service confirmed the hydrants had not provided sufficient water, prompting crews to establish a shuttle system to transport supplies from Audlem.

"We would like to thank the local agricultural community for their generous offer of assistance with water tanks," it added.

Road closures were put in place while they fought the fire due to the narrow country lanes leading to the property.

The bungalow and outbuildings were destroyed, the service said, and crews remained on scene damping down overnight.

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