In a dramatic early morning rescue, firefighters saved several puppies and residents from a large blaze that broke out in a shop and flats on Northgate Street, Great Yarmouth. The fire, which started around 05:20 BST, saw Norfolk Fire Service dispatch nine crews to tackle the inferno.
Firefighters in Action: Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
The fire service reported that multiple people were assisted down the stairs, while one individual had to be rescued by ladder from a top-floor window. Fortunately, there are no reports of any injuries among the residents. However, the building’s roof eventually collapsed due to the intensity of the fire.
On Facebook, the fire service urged the public to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed as crews worked tirelessly at the scene. Great Yarmouth fire station manager, Chris Harding-Hook, confirmed the rescue of several puppies from one of the flats. “Our appliances are equipped with special oxygen masks to administer oxygen and ensure their lungs are clean,” he said. The ambulance service assisted firefighters in providing first aid to the rescued animals.
Community Response and Personal Accounts
Residents from the adjacent flats were evacuated and taken to a nearby pub, which opened early to offer shelter and hot drinks. Brandon McHugh, 20, who lived in one of the flats above the shop, shared his harrowing experience. He was awakened by the postman’s urgent shouts, alerting him to the fire. McHugh managed to escape with two of his dogs but initially couldn’t reach the puppies in another room. Thankfully, the firefighters rescued all the animals, and McHugh expressed relief, saying they were “all right now – thank God.”
Reverend Canon Simon Ward, the rector of Great Yarmouth, was also on the scene. “I was woken up by the smell of smoke and arrived just as the first fire engine was getting to work,” he said. He described the rescue of a man from the top of the building and praised the firefighters for their hard work. “You can really see the devastation of the fire, and it’s heartbreaking to see history going up in smoke,” he added, reflecting on the centuries-old buildings impacted by the blaze.
Ongoing Fire Investigation and Safety Precautions
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the local community is rallying together, demonstrating resilience and support for those affected. The fire service’s quick response and specialized equipment played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both residents and animals.
For updates and further information, the public is advised to monitor Norfolk Fire Service’s social media channels and stay clear of the affected area.