Crews mobilised to attend a fire at a primary school

Multiple calls made from members of the public who reported seeing smoke from as much as 3 miles away (incident ref: 020239)
Closed
Location: Brooklands Catholic Primary School, Palfrey Heights, Brantham
30 March 2026
Time: 1:09pm
Incident type: Fire
Attending stations: Ipswich East, Ipswich Princes Street, Hadleigh

Crews from Ipswich East, Ipswich Princes Street and Hadleigh are being assisted by two crews and an officer from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to investigate reports that the roof of the primary school is on fire. 

Police and ambulance are also en route (police ref: 132/ambulance ref: 1835).

Further information will be shared when available. 

Update (1:52pm)

Crews have confirmed that there is a fire in the roof of the building, which is spreading internally. 

Firefighters are using breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets to tackle the blaze. 

The ambulance service has mobilised three HART teams. These Hazardous Area Response Teams are specialised units within the ambulance service who have the necessary skills and equipment to provide paramedic and enhanced medical care in hazardous, high-risk situations. 

Update (2:32pm)

A stop was called at 2:27pm indicating that no further resources were required. 

In addition to breathing apparatus and three hose reel jets, one 9m ladder and one short extension ladder were also used to fight the fire, which has now been extinguished.  

Update (3:09pm)

Crews from Hadleigh and Princes Street will remain on scene to dampen down and assist with a fire investigation to establish the most likely cause. 

Correction (3:18pm)

We were supported by three crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service who attended from Colchester, Brightlingsea and Tiptree fire stations.

Update (31.3.26 at 8:56am)

This incident was closed at 07:53 this morning.