A village has been left "devastated" after a thatched roof fire broke out overnight - the second huge fire to rip through their community in the space of a year.
At 12:30am on Wednesday, January 25, emergency services were called to the A1101 Bury Road in Hengrave to reports of a building fire.
Five properties are impacted, four of which have seen severe damage, but no injuries have been reported as residents were evacuated from their homes.
Parish councillor Janet Davies, who lives just a few houses away from the fire, said she heard noises outside at 4am and noted that her electricity had turned off.
"I stuck my head out of the window and saw plumes of smoke, so I knew it was very serious," she said.
"I put my coat on and headed out to offer shelter and a cup of tea, as people were kind to us when we were evacuated last time."
In April last year, 15 fire engines attended another thatched house blaze in Hengrave, making it the second fire of this nature to occur within a year.
Mrs Davies added: "It is a tragedy that this has happened again.
"We want to express our sympathies to all the families who have lost their homes."
West Suffolk councillor Susan Glossop said she was "absolutely devastated" to hear the news.
"I couldn't believe it," she said.
"We've only just had the cottages at the other end reinstated."
County councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger added: "I was very sorry to hear the devastating news this morning of the fire in Hengrave, my thoughts go out to all involved."
"I understand that emergency services are still on site and have offered support to those involved for which I thank them for.
"I’ve personally reached out to the parish council to check that the support is being provided and whether there is anything I can assist with."
Speaking at the scene, station manager Matt Webster, of Suffolk Fire and Rescue service, said: "At the moment we are unsure of cause, but we will be undertaking a full investigation into the cause of the incident."
Mr Webster added: "I would urge members of the public to support is if they can to stay away from the area. We have got substantial road closures in place which will have an impact on their journey time.
"If they can assist and avoid the area where possible, that would be greatly appreciated."
Crews are making "good progress," with two fire engines remaining at the scene and live updates will be posted throughout the day.
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