A devastating blaze tore through the former Parkway Middle School in Haverhill, Suffolk, on Tuesday evening, resulting in a partial structural collapse of the building.
At the height of the incident, approximately 70 firefighters from both Suffolk and Cambridgeshire fire services worked to tackle the inferno.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was inundated with more than 60 emergency calls from 8:20pm on Tuesday, with witnesses reporting the smoke could be seen from considerable distances.
Nine fire engines were deployed to the scene, with crews arriving from Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Wickhambrook, Woodbridge and Orford.
Dramatic footage from the scene showed intense orange flames consuming the school structure whilst dense black smoke rose from the fire
Throughout the night, firefighters battled the flames as the situation remained critical until operations began scaling down at approximately 1.30am.
One witness, speaking anonymously, described the scene as “dark and scary” with substantial smoke blanketing the surrounding area.
The former Parkway Middle School was destroyed by a ‘significant’ fire overnight
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SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Local authorities urged residents to close all windows and doors during the incident and advised against non-essential travel to the vicinity.
Fire crews confirmed they would maintain a presence at the location for much of today.
By morning, a multi-agency operation remained active at the site, with police establishing a cordon while firefighters continued hot-spotting and dampening-down procedures.
The fire service announced a formal investigation into the cause would commence later in the day.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue shared images of the aftermath of the blaze earlier today
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SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Emergency services and partner agencies continued working at the site today, with investigations underway and safety measures firmly in place.
Two fire engines and an aerial appliance remain stationed at the incident, alongside police and fire investigation teams.
UK Power Networks personnel are also present, conducting power isolation work to ensure the area remains secure.
The cordon surrounding the former school remains active whilst investigative work continues, with the public asked to avoid the vicinity.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service expressed gratitude to all emergency service personnel and partner agencies who worked through the night, as well as thanking residents and businesses for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident.
They said: “Emergency services and partner agencies continue to work at the site today, with investigations ongoing and safety measures remaining in place.
“We would again like to thank all crews involved for their hard work and dedication, along with the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident.”