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Accidental blaze damages three school classrooms

Neve Gordon-Farleigh
Jamie Niblock/BBC A fire engine parked on the road next to the Thomas Bullock Primary Academy building on Pound Lane in Shipdham. Hoses are attached to the back of the fire engine. A firefighter stands nearby wearing brown dungarees, a red t-shirt and a yellow helmet with visor. In the distance smoke is coming from the roof of the school building.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the smoke plume coming from the school

A school is exploring options for temporary structures after an accidental blaze damaged three classrooms.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to Thomas Bullock Primary Academy in Shipdham, near Dereham shortly after 14:00 BST on Thursday.

During the blaze, 10 fire crews, a water carrier and an aerial platform attended the scene and residents affected by the smoke plume were advised to keep their doors and windows closed.

Oliver Burwood, chief executive officer of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, said: "An initial investigation has confirmed that the fire was accidental and related to the extreme hot weather."

No injuries were reported and no children were thought to be at the site, which is closed for the summer holidays.

In an update at 16:30 on Thursday, the service said it had brought the fire under control and the response was able to be scaled back.

In a letter to parents seen by the BBC, it said there had been "extensive" damage to parts of the school and that the site had been declared off limits except to essential staff and emergency service personnel.

It added that the school was waiting for a site visit from insurers to make a full assessment, which would determine how many temporary structures would be needed.

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Jamie Niblock/BBC Firefighters attending a blaze at Thomas Bullock Primary Academy. The picture has been taken from a vantage point between an overhanging tree and a leafy green bush. Two firefighters are on a ladder at the side of the school building. There is damage to the roof, which is charred and exposed. Smoke is coming off the roof.Jamie Niblock/BBC
Thomas Bullock Primary Academy said it was now exploring options for temporary classrooms

On social media, the school said: "A huge 'Thank You' to our community far and wide for your thoughts and prayers and of course the fire teams for acting so quickly.

"We are exploring options for temporary accommodation for classrooms onsite and will keep you all updated moving forward."

Burwood said: "The entire Trust is truly thankful that the fire did not result in any injury.

"Our priority now is planning for a return to school for all Thomas Bullock children in September."

The fire was one of a number of incidents the service attended on Thursday, and a major incident was declared until 20:15 after operational activity across the county put "significant pressure" on resources.

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