Eight fire crews called to care home blaze near Loddon

They were called to the scene at Beauchamp House in Proctor Road, Chedgrave, at 1.30pm.

The fire is believed to have started in a lift on the first floor in the south Norfolk care home, off Langley Road.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined but fire crews were called following an alarm being set off.

One woman who was visiting her friend when the fire started said: “We were sat on the first floor having a yarn, then there was panic.

"We then all got gathered by staff into one room and there was loads of smoke.”

A neighbour described the smoke, saying: “At about 2pm the smoke was just awful, I feel as though I can still feel it in my chest now (5.30pm).

"Goodness knows what it was like inside.

"The smoke rose above the building but soon passed when the rain fell.”

Care home residents were evacuated by staff and emergency services (Image: Bruno Brown)

Adam Roberts, the regional manager for Norse, which runs the care home, said: “The team are following their business continuity plan for moments of such emergencies - residents are being evacuated to the local community centre.

“Nobody has been harmed in the incident and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

“My staff are doing an excellent and professional job to evacuate residents."

Firefighters and police are assisting care home workers in evacuating residents.

Six of the fire engines that attended the blaze were not needed, but the crew members assisted in evacuations, with the local vicar also said to have been helping ensure everyone was safe.

The fire had been brought under control by late afternoon, with smoke rather than flames being the pressing issue.

It wasn't yet clear whether the building would be inhabitable overnight but staff were working hard on the ground to ensure residents were safe and comfortable while arrangements were made.

There were long queues on Langley Road initially, with traffic in both directions.

Additional reporting by Bruno Brown