Firefighters have been described as “absolutely amazing” for quickly tackling a large blaze which broke out in a garden workshop in west Suffolk at the weekend.
Smoke could be seen for miles as dozens of firefighters battled for over two hours to contain a blaze in Lion Yard, Monks Eleigh on Saturday afternoon.
The cause of the fire is not yet known but it is not being treated as suspicious. There were no serious injuries but a man was taken to West Suffolk Hospital for a check-up after sustaining minor smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out in the garden workshop of a property at around 2pm on Saturday and spread to an adjacent two-storey studio and part of a neighbouring terraced house.
The workshop and studio suffered extensive damage.
The fire had been brought under control and put out by 4.20pm. Firefighters returned on Sunday to further investigate the cause.
One of the owners, who did not wish to be named, said the fire was an accident.
She said: “The firefighters have been absolutely amazing. Truly. I wasn’t here until later on but they had very quickly got things under control.
“Everybody thinks they’re wonderful. The fire did spread next door but they managed to catch it before it got too far.
“There is work to be done now (on salvaging what they can). It was a pure accident. We don’t know the exact cause yet.”
A neighbour said he heard a “bang” when the fire broke out.
The property where the fire broke out is located behind the former historic Lion pub, which closed around 30 years ago and was converted into properties about a decade ago.
Jon Southgate, station commander at the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The owners are very shocked but grateful for the swift actions of the initial crews in preventing a worse fire and stopping it spreading.
“The firefighters did a very good job. Smoke could be seen for many miles.”
Nine fire appliances from around Suffolk were called to the scene.
Three remained to check for hotspots on Saturday evening.
A small crowd of residents gathered during the incident to help provide support to the owners.
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