Explosion 'shakes caravans' as huge fire breaks out in UK harbour

01 May 2023 , 01:26
1058     0
Firefighters were called to Southwold Harbour shortly before 1am (Image: sara_bland1103/Twitter)
Firefighters were called to Southwold Harbour shortly before 1am (Image: sara_bland1103/Twitter)

An explosion was heard before a fire ripped through a harbour in the early hours.

Residents reported hearing a loud bang with an explosion so loud it shook nearby caravans at Blackshore Quay in Southwold.

Firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called shortly before 1am and rushed to the scene in Ferry Road in eight fire engines.

Photos show large orange flames as plumes of smoke spread across the sky.

Explosion 'shakes caravans' as huge fire breaks out in UK harbour eiqrtiqxeidxprwPeople on the campsite said caravans were shaking (sara_bland1103/Twitter)
Explosion 'shakes caravans' as huge fire breaks out in UK harbourGas bottles exploded as the blaze grew (sara_bland1103/Twitter)

One local tweeted: "Massive explosion followed by fire in Southwold Harbour. Explosion shook the caravan."

Astonishing pics show firefighters save woman from 3rd floor of blazing buildingAstonishing pics show firefighters save woman from 3rd floor of blazing building

Another said: "We were staying at the campsite and heard the fire, then explosions as the gas bottles exploded."

The fire service said the blaze caused "extensive damage" to fishermen's huts and two chip shops.

Explosion 'shakes caravans' as huge fire breaks out in UK harbourFishermen's huts and two chip shops were damaged (Colin Barber/Twitter)

In a tweet at around 6am, it said: "A fire overnight has caused extensive damage to fishermens' huts and two fish and chip shops at Blackshore Quay in Southwold.

"The incident is now over but Ferry Road will be closed off today as investigations get underway and the public is asked to avoid the area."

Katie Mansfield

Fire Service

Read more similar news:

03.01.2023, 15:19 • Crime
Dad sees taxi on fire and calls 999 - before finding out daughter was inside it
06.01.2023, 15:12 • World News
Firefighters up to their knees in river of butter after huge fire at dairy
06.01.2023, 23:59 • UK News
Residents forced to evacuate after 'large gas leak' reported on housing estate
09.01.2023, 17:48 • UK News
Firefighters share pics of 'devastating' damage to home in urgent safety warning
10.01.2023, 16:57 • UK News
Double decker bus catches fire in middle of London as passengers flee
13.01.2023, 17:56 • World News
Gas pipe explosion near Russian border as villagers flee from giant 165ft flames
15.01.2023, 00:17 • UK News
Fire breaks out at London highrise tower block with 70 firefighters on scene
02.02.2023, 20:01 • UK News
Firefighters offered £1,000 a shift to cross picket line during upcoming strikes
16.01.2023, 21:47 • UK News
Firefighters smash through building walls to rescue 50st man having heart attack
21.01.2023, 10:21 • UK News
Huge fire breaks out near ‘weapons factory’ as locals told ‘keep windows shut’