Firm 'devastated' after fire destroys warehouse

The owner of a joinery business that "burned to the ground" last week said his team were "shocked and devastated" but vowed to get back to work soon.

About 70 firefighters battled the fire at the Salhouse Road industrial site in Sprowston, Norfolk, on Thursday morning, and roads and businesses were closed for several hours.

Nigel Thompson, director of Scandia Ltd, said it was fortunate that no one was injured in the blaze and morale amongst his team was positive.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was not thought to have been started deliberately following an investigation.

Thompson, 62, said: "We tried to use fire extinguishers, but within seconds [the fire] had engulfed the building.

"We're very fortunate indeed that everyone evacuated safely and no one was injured or hurt. That's the most important point at this stage.

"We're in a little bit of shock, I'll be honest, and we are all very devastated."

Norfolk Fire Service said its crews were unable to save Scandia's building, but the "swift actions of our firefighters prevented any fire spread to neighbouring units".

"Due to the extensive damage and concerns over the structural safety of the building, our initial fire investigation concluded undetermined cause, however, we have ruled out it being a deliberate ignition," a spokesman added.

Firefighters came from across Norfolk to put the fire out, with crews travelling from as far away as Fakenham, Great Yarmouth, Watton and Diss.

At its peak, there were 15 appliances at the scene, and crews continued to monitor the site for several hours.

Thompson said he "couldn't fault" the response from the fire service, and he has also praised the support from neighbouring firms, including Windows Plus, which has offered space to be used as a temporary office.

"It's a great community of business people who have come together, and they've risen to the occasion for us and helped us out where they can.

Thompson said his firm had been operating from Salhouse Road for 45 years and his team had "served just about every organisation and building contractor in Norfolk" in that time.

Despite the devastation caused by the fire, he said his staff morale was good.

"I have an unbelievable team," he said.

"They're friends and family. It gives me additional strength to get this moving as fast as I can and get them back into the workplace and operational again."

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