UK prisoners evacuated as jail block goes up in flames with 13 hearth engines tackling blaze
Fire broke out inside a jail block at HMP Highpoint in Stradishall on Friday afternoon, with 13 engines rushing to the scene to get the blaze under control. Crews are at the scene
Fire has broken out at HMP Highpoint(Image: Cambridge News)
Thirteen fire engines are currently battling a large fire at a prison in Suffolk. The blaze started inside a prison block at around 2.40pm at HMP Highpoint in Stradishall.
The building had already been evacuated by staff when fire crews arrived, with all occupants safely relocated and accounted for. The block is a timber and brick structure measuring approximately 25m x 100.
Firefighters are currently using breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one covering jet and a thermal image camera to tackle the blaze. This fire is said to be well developed. Firefighters are faced with the additional challenge of difficult access and a complex internal layout as well as the intense heat.
Suffolk County Council posted on its website: “A fire has broken out in a prison block. Upon first crews’ arrival, staff had already evacuated the building and relocated occupants to a safe location. Prison staff have confirmed that all persons have been accounted for.
“Firefighters are currently using breathing apparatus, one hose reel jet, one covering jet and a thermal image camera to tackle the blaze, which is well developed.
“The officer in command has given an instruction for the fire to be sectorised, which is a tactic deployed by firefighters when tackling larger fires – the fire is effectively split into sections, with crews assigned to each section. This helps firefighters maintain control, improve safety, streamline communication, and ensure the incident is managed effectively as it grows and evolves.
“As well as extreme heat, firefighters are faced with the additional challenge of difficult access and a complex internal layout. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service colleagues are on their way to assist those already on scene. The block is a timber and brick structure measuring approximately 25m x 100m.”
Resources currently on scene include:
- A command support vehicle from Ixworth
- General purpose fire engines (water rescue ladders) from Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Long Melford, Sudbury and Woodbridge)
- A compressed water tender (smaller than a standard appliance, augments and supports initial appliances) from Clare
- Enhanced rescue tenders (fire engines carrying enhanced rescue equipment) from Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket
Crews are now using six covering jets to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading to an adjacent building, measuring 80m x 20m. Welfare facilities for firefighters have been established and provided by the Prison Service.
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