Jump directly to the content
MOORS BLAZE

Firefighters tackle massive wildfire at stately home where Colin Firth stripped off as Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice

The blaze on moorland in Lyme Park in Cheshire erupted at 4pm

FIREFIGHTERS last night tackled a huge wildfire at the stately home where Colin Firth famously stripped off in Pride and Prejudice.

Flames erupted on moorland in Lyme Park in Cheshire just after 4pm on Thursday.

 Fire crews battle a wildfire on the Lyme Park estate
7
Fire crews battle a wildfire on the Lyme Park estateCredit: PA:Press Association
 The estate featured as Mr Darcy's home Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice
7
The estate featured as Mr Darcy's home Pemberley in Pride and PrejudiceCredit: Alamy

Fire crews battled the blaze on the 1,400-acre National Trust estate, with about 15 acres destroyed.

There have been no injuries but those living in the area were told to keep their windows and doors open as a precaution.

Dramatic pictures show thick black smoke billowing over the moorland as flames blanket the dry grass.

There are now large patches of charred moorland, but the fire was said to be under control.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire has affected an area covering six hectares.

"The area will be monitored overnight by firefighters with hose reel jets and beaters to ensure that the fire does not flare up again."

Lyme Park famously featured as Pemberley - home to Mr Darcy - in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Colin Firth cemented himself as a sex symbol when he emerged dripping wet from the lake in front of Jennifer Ehle’s Elizabeth Bennett.

 Colin Firth soaking wet lake scene took place on the estate
7
Colin Firth soaking wet lake scene took place on the estateCredit: BBC
 The fire broke out at around 4pm
7
The fire broke out at around 4pmCredit: MEN Media
 Fifteen acres of land have been gutted
7
Fifteen acres of land have been guttedCredit: PA:Press Association
 Thick black smoke billowed over the moorland
7
Thick black smoke billowed over the moorlandCredit: MEN Media
 Fire crews managed to bring the flames under control
7
Fire crews managed to bring the flames under controlCredit: PA:Press Association
Colin Firth in lake scene from Pride and Prejudice