Passersby Discover Unexpected Shop Evacuation
On January 16, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service along with Suffolk police were summoned to Carr Street at 10:44 AM following reports of a smoke incident. A swift response included three police cars and multiple fire engines arriving at the scene.
Incident Overview
The emergency originated at Fresh Start Cafe where a smoke cloak was activated after the intruder alarm was triggered. An alert was raised by a passerby who noticed smoke and informed staff at a nearby Specsavers.
Evacuation of Nearby Shops
The situation prompted the manual activation of the fire alarm, resulting in the evacuation of several local businesses. The establishments affected included:
- Card Factory
- Specsavers
- Microshop
- Carr Street Post Office
- The Entertainer
Staff at these locations followed established fire protocols, ensuring everyone’s safety while shops across the street continued their operations without disruption.
Public Reaction
Witnesses observed the incident unfold with a mix of curiosity and concern. One bystander noted, “I was just walking down here to go to B&M and stumbled across this. There were a lot of people standing in the street and a fire engine, so I knew something must have happened.”
Ongoing Efforts
As of 1:30 PM, the situation was still active with firefighters working diligently to clear the smoke from the building. They entered the premises equipped with breathing apparatus to tackle the strong smell of smoke that lingered in the area.
This unexpected shop evacuation highlights both the effectiveness of emergency procedures and the importance of community vigilance. Both the police and fire services responded promptly, ensuring public safety during the unfolding incident.
