Four fire engines tackled a “needless” 14-hour blaze at the former Manganese Bronze plant in Ipswich, eventually leaving the scene this morning.
The fire was reported at 5.35pm yesterday with crews arriving to find a two-storey building at the former Manganese Bronze plant off Hadleigh Road well alight.
The fire had taken hold in the roof and on the first floor of the building, which is behind houses and opposite Community Action Suffolk at the Elton Business Centre.
The fire was eventually put out and brought under control shortly before 8am this morning.
Firefighters did not enter the building due to safety reasons and concerns over discarded needles.
Speaking at the scene last night, Station Commander Jon Southgate, of the Princes Street station, said the fire was caused by someone deliberately or accidentally setting the fire.
He said: “There are numerous discarded needles around the site and from experience we know there will be needles inside as well.
“We will not be entering the building because I want to ensure the safety of our firefighters. The condition of the building and the presence of needles are among several hazards.
“We have been called to this site on several previous occasions. It is a shame that we are now going to have four crews fighting a completely needless and preventable fire.”
The firefighters used two hose jets to fight the fire from the outside, with an aerial appliance sent to the scene to see if they can also fight the blaze from above.
There was no one inside the building and there was no risk to neighbouring properties.
In total, nine fire appliances attended the scene. There were only four fire engines present at any one time. Relief appliances took over those which first attended. One fire engine remained at the scene overnight.
One nearby resident in Hadleigh, who did not wish to be named, said: “I saw four fire engines here last night. I don’t know what caused it, but you get youngsters sneaking around.”
Firefighters are due to return to the site for a reinspection later today.
Crews attended from Ipswich East, Princes Street, Holbrook and Hadleigh.
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said the force is not currently involved in the incident.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here