Published: Thursday, 21st July 2022
On Wednesday 20 July the Alive Corn Exchange was lit up red in support of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who had declared a Major incident 24 hours earlier.
The Major incident was declared due to the demand caused by several serious fire incidents related to the extreme heat.
Leader of the Borough Council, Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, also made the following statement:
“The devastation caused by the several fires that occurred across west Norfolk over the last 24 hours is not yet fully known but what we do know is it has been deadly to wildlife, damaging to the environment and homes. But this could have been far worse.
“Our first thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by these fires, both local residents and great local businesses.
“However, severe adversity often brings out the best of us. We all appreciate the daily work of our Fire service, police and coastguard ‘blue light’ responders but even by their own high standards they have gone above and beyond on our behalf, working for many hours in the most extreme heat and dangerous conditions to limit the damage and protect life, with many crews coming from long-distances away to help. I think I speak for everyone locally when I say a huge heartfelt ‘thank you’.
“We have also had notable examples of individuals, communities and local businesses coming together to combat the flames and assist our responders and they all deserve high praise too.
“As one would expect, we have well-rehearsed drills for the Borough to come in behind the responders and support people that have been evacuated or need temporary accommodation and sadly that action was required last night. I am proud of the way our officers from the ‘emergency planning department’ and housing team worked into the night to provide real assistance to those who needed it.
“I have already contacted the chief fire officer in Norfolk and the PCC to express this gratitude on behalf of the borough and have asked the council ‘civics team’ to arrange a formal reception to offer our thanks in person to those involved in this huge response, once the situation has calmed down.
“In the interim as a small prompt sign of our gratitude for the ongoing work of the fire service in particular, but also the many other support services and volunteers, we will be lighting the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange red this evening – I know they will all be very, very tired but they should be very, very proud too.”
Support has already been offered to residents by the borough council housing team. They can be contacted by telephoning 01553 616200 or emailing housingoptions@west-norfolk.gov.uk.
Lily, which is managed by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, are also offering support to those affected by the fires. They help people who are feeling lonely or isolated by supporting them to connect to organisations that can help in the area. Lily can be contacted by calling 01553 616200 or visiting asklily.org.uk.
People are being urged not go and see areas that have been damaged by fire. Some may still be dangerous.