Paul Atkin, 44, a photographer, was driving along the M1 motorway when he saw the smoke coming from Manor Fields Park, Sheffield, at around 6pm on Thursday (Aug 13).
The fire comes amid a frenzy of wildfires which were blazing across the UK, with firefighters under pressure from the extreme heatwave.
Paul said: "I literally just saw the smoke from the M1 motorway in South Yorkshire. I quickly got my camera out of the car and I headed towards the smoke.
"I saw the local community out observing the fire. It was spreading rapidly.
"It was quite extensive and they were struggling to bring it under control. You had firefighters battling at one side and then fire fighters battling at the other.
"They then told the general public to evacuate because it was out of control. I heard that it was the second fire in that area this week.
Paul said he was there for an hour but the fire had started at around 4pm.
He said "When I left there were three fire engines and about 12 to 14 firefighters on the scene in different areas.
"I was speaking to one of the firefighters and they were saying they are struggling to keep on top of things. He said that with children out and about due to the school holidays it is even more dangerous."
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Four fire engines attended Manor Fields Park after a call was received at 5.41pm. The incident was dealt with by around 10.13pm and is believed to have been set deliberately.
"Setting fires deliberately puts lives at risk. That's why the maximum sentence for arson is life in prison. We urge anyone with information about deliberate fire setting in your area to please share what you know by calling Firestoppers on 0800 169 5558."
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