Fire crews called to large blaze in centre of Norwich

Firefighters were called to a major blaze at flats and offices in the centre of Norwich.

Fire crews tackle the blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Flames and a large plume of smoke could be seen spreading across the roof and upper floors of buildings in Fishergate.

Emergency services were called at shortly before 2pm on Monday, May 25 to reports of a fire in Fishergate.

The fire seen from behind Fishergate. Picture: Lisa Vincent (Image: Archant)

The road, which runs between Fye Bridge and Whitefriars, and backs on to the river, contains a mix of homes, offices and commercial buildings.

UPDATE: City centre flats ‘not habitable’ after fire rips through building

Fire crews tackle the blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The blaze broke out in a four storey premises that has flats in upper floors and offices and a property letting agency at lower levels.

Twenty-five Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service appliances from across Norwich went to the scene.

A hydraulic ladder and platform was used to fight the fire from above. A large section of the roor and upper floors could be seen to have been severely damaged.

Police were also at the scene and the road closed to traffic.

Fire crews tackle the blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said they had been alerted to the blaze through a 999 call.

He said: “All the residents were out and accounted for and were out of the building.”

Smoke from thre fire at Fishergate in Norwich drifts across the river. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

As of 5.30pm, the situation was under control, but fire crews remained at the scene.

Plumes of smoke from the fire drifted across the city. Crowds of outlookers lined the streets and the riverside walk to watch.

Crowds watching the fire in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Eyewitness Tom Duncan said: “We saw lots of smoke and heard lots of sirens, then as we came around the corner we could see the flames shooting up into the air.

“It had really taken hold and was well alight. They seemed to quickly get it under control but it has taken them some time to completely put it out.

Fire crews tackle the blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

“I just hope whoever lives there is okay.”

Sarah Chapman, who was with her two daughters, said: “We have seen some people leaving but I just hope no one has been hurt. The building has been really badly damaged so people may have lost everything.”

Fire crews tackle the blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Fire crews tackle blaze in Fishergate in Norwich. Picture: Ben Gadsby-Williams (Image: Ben Gadsby-Williams)