Father ‘gutted’ after treasured items owned by sons destroyed in Ipswich garage blaze

Firefighters blocked off the road (Image: Archant)

The homeowner, who wanted to be known only as Robert, was woken by his neighbour who had smelled smoke shortly after 5.30am today – and saw flames coming from the garage next to his house.

Firefighters from Princes Street and Ipswich East stations were called to the scene at Newark Close, off Fountains Road at 5.46am – and are currently investigating the cause.

Robert, 50, believes the fire could have been sparked by the tumble dryer.

He said: “I’m gutted because there’s a lot of fishing stuff and bikes in there that my two sons used to own as children. It’s upsetting because they are memories but there’s nothing anyone can do.

A fire destroyed a garage in Ipswich today (Image: Archant)

“I’m going to speak to the insurers who will hopefully be able to help.

“I personally think it could have started in the tumble dryer.”

Watch Commander at Princes Street fire station Mark Cragg was in charge of investigating the blaze, and put a cordon in place to prevent drivers from passing through that section of Fountains Road while the fire was brought under control.

Hose reel jets were used to tackle the fire, which was extinguished a short while later.

The garage could not be saved and was destroyed.

A fireman at the scene said crews were working with Robert to establish the cause.

Robert added: “My neighbour luckily woke me up because he could smell smoke, and I’m so glad he did because I got out and the fire didn’t spread from there.

“I saw the roof was on fire and I panicked and we called the fire brigade who were here quickly.

“The firefighters have done a great job but unfortunately the garage and the things in it can’t be saved.”