Gallery
Remembering fires that have torn through Ipswich landmarks
Fire destroyed premises causing damage estimated at �100,000. The blaze started at Haddock and Baines, paper merchants and printers. It spread to the Central Cinema next door. In the background is the Barclays Bank building at the corner of the Buttermarket, 22 February 1950
Over the last 100 years, Ipswich has seen a number of damaging fires tear through its buildings. These pictures look back to some of the most remembered incidents.
Drama in Upper Orwell Street, April 1982, when fire broke out in the roofs of the shops on the right of this view, taken looking towards Fore Street. Picture: DAVID KINDRED - Credit: Dave Kindred
The blaze at the Central Cinema in 1950 and the fire at Cliff Quay Power Station in 1982 are among those that sit firmly within our memories.
Smoke billowed from Corders, one of the towns largest department stores late in the afternoon on September 5, 1966. Picture: IVAN SMITH
Throughout all of these incidents pictured, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been on hand to battle the blazes.
Employees at Cliff Quay Power Station as they evacuate the building during the 1982 fire. Picture: PAUL NIXON
Some of the larger fires have required help from neighbouring fire services and without the brave and hardworking efforts of the crews, several historic buildings around Ipswich may not still be standing today.
Fire fighters on Cliff Road, Ipswich, soon after they had the Cory Brothers fire under control. Picture: RICHARD SNASDELL
Ipswich Town Council formed a fire brigade in 1875, taking over from insurance companies who had previously only provided firefighters for their own customers up until this point.
Ipswich Fire Station in 1916/17. Picture: COURTESY OF SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE - Credit: Archant
Do you remember any of the fires shown in these photographs? Did you witness them, or learn about them later by reading this newspaper?
The fire brigade were called to Ipswich Docks to deal with a blaze at Neptune Quay, 1965
To share your memories, email our picture desk.
Premises in Princes Street, Ipswich, were damaged by a fire which broke out in the offices of Shell Mex Ltd in February 1932. Picture: DAVID KINDRED
Whitelaws store fire in St Matthews Street, Ipswich, in October 1963. Picture: DAVID KINDRED
This site in Princes Street, Ipswich, was damaged by fire in February 1950. The fire started at the premises of Haddock and Baines paper merchants and printers and spread to the Central Cinema next door. This photograph was taken soon after work started to redevelop the site in March 1957
