RETAINED firefighters were praised for their quick actions after containing a generator blaze at a smallholding on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.

Six crews were called to the fire in Brome Avenue, in Eye, after it had spread to a bungalow and neighbouring barns at the Old Granary.

Fire chiefs praised the actions of part-time firefighters from Eye, Diss, Stradbroke, Debenham, Elmswell and Halesworth, who stopped the blaze from spreading further.

The incident, which began in the generator room, was reported by the family living at the smallholding at about 11.35am yesterday and was under control two hours later. No-one was injured.

Group manager Pat Dacey, of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said crews did a “superb” job in testing conditions to stop the blaze from spreading to the main farmhouse.

He said: “It is a hot day and the fire was well-developed. It was very punishing fire-fighting conditions.

“The firefighters committed very early to aggressive fire-fighting tactics and saved half of the building used by the family and saved the farmhouse.”

Firefighters also worked to salvage the family’s possessions. The owner was too upset to talk.