Huge fire at thatched property in Hengrave leads to road being closed
A huge blaze which ripped through a thatched building in Hengrave last night has led to the road running through the village to remain closed this morning.
Firefighters worked throughout the night to control the flames of the structure which fronts onto the A1101.
At the height of the blaze 15 fire crews attended the scene on Bury Road after the service was alerted at 8.06pm. It included 10 pumps and special appliances working to contain the flames.
Appliances included high working vehicles, water bowsers and fire engines and they were supported by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and some crews remain at the scene while an investigation into the blaze is set to begin some time today.
Power was isolated at properties in the area and the fire service was working with UK Power Networks to restore electricity.
The ambulance service was called as there was concern for a person who may have breathed in smoke.
A fire service spokesman said: “Our thoughts go to the owners of the property who have suffered such devastating damage to their home.”
Suffolk Highways encouraged drivers to avoid the A1101 area and find alternative routes as crews dampen down the fire.
The route is shut between Fornham All Saints and Flempton.
Incident commander and group manager Wil Tel said due to the amount of the smoke coming off the property firefighters had to close the road.
Speaking on the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Twitter account last night he said: “We are now at the faze of the incident where we are looking to scale things down but we will have a number of appliances remaining on site overnight and in the morning we will be working with the key partners to investigate the cause of the fire.
“My thanks go out to the nearby residents who were very quick to assist with the salvaging of key items.
“Power has been isolated to the key properties in the area and we are working with our partners at UK Power Network to restore those as quickly as possible.”