DOZENS of youngsters were getting over their disappointment today after a fire at an Ipswich bowling alley forced two children's parties to come to an abrupt end.
DOZENS of youngsters were getting over their disappointment today after a fire at an Ipswich bowling alley forced two children's parties to come to an abrupt end.
Fire broke out at Solar Bowl in Sproughton Road about 1.30pm yesterday forcing the evacuation of the building.
About 40 customers, many of whom were enjoying children's birthday parties, had to leave the building in their bowling shoes after a fire started in a fuse box in the kitchen.
It is thought a member of staff attempted to tackle the fire with a powder extinguisher but that increased the problem and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service had to be called.
Staff are thought to have been alerted to the blaze by lights flickering.
They then entered the kitchen where sparks were emerging from a fuse box.
Alarms sounded and customers were evacuated from the building before two fire crews arrived from Princes Street, Ipswich.
A member of staff is thought to have returned inside the building to collect customer's shoes and personal belongings.
A spokeswoman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Solar Bowl in Sproughton Road at 1.31pm. Two fire engines from Prince Street attended.
“It was a fire involving the electrical intake in the kitchen area. Two breathing apparatus were used and one dry powder extinguisher.
“The loft area was also checked for fire spread.”
She said the fire was under control by 2.30pm.
Customers were being turned away from the bowling alley yesterday and it was expected to remain closed today because of electrical problems.
The extent of the damage is not known but it is thought the fire only affected the kitchen.
No one from Solar Bowl was willing to comment on the blaze until they had contacted their head office.
Was your child affected by the fire? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
Weblink: www.suffolk.gov.uk/PolicingAndPublicSafety/FireAndRescueServices;
www.eveningstar.co.uk/news
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