Woman and dog escape huge house fire in Suffolk which closed A140 near Ipswich

Firefighters tackling a huge house fire in Earl Stonham, Suffolk

Nearly 100 firefighters have been battling a huge house fire, which has also closed an A-road.

Police and fire crews have been at the scene in Norwich Road, in Earl Stonham, Suffolk since around 8am.

A woman and a dog were in the property at the time, but were able to get out. The woman was later treated for smoke inhalation.

Firefighter Ian Mallet told ITV News Anglia it was a bedroom fire that escalated rapidly.

"Unfortunately, the fire developed to a point that it got to the roof and has had a significant impact on the building," he said.

"It's just the nature of the roof unfortunately. Whenever a fire gets into the roof, the ability to get the space and to get the crews into the space to tackle the fire just isn't there."

He said the outcome was "significant damage" to the house.

"The crews worked extremely hard to salvage the salvageable items that were in the property."

Video from @GrahamDenny9/Twitter

Neighbour Graham Denny said he was among a group of farmers who banded together to help firefighters get to the scene and to get water supplies.

"The fire was well alight and the roof was starting to drop in, and there's flames off the top of the roof 20-30 foot high," he said.

"So it was very, very dramatic.

"It wasn't a nice sight, it's a lovely building and it's a real shame and I just hope that the family are alright."

He said the family who lived there were "very, very helpful people" who were a big part of the community.

He said: "It'll be a big loss if they've been hurt or anything and it's a shame that the beautiful house and a local person has had to go through this. It's a real tragedy."

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent 19 fire engines from 14 different stations across the county.

The A140 near Ipswich was closed both ways from the turn-offs into Stonham Aspel and All Saints Road.

Police warned drivers to avoid the area as it led to queueing traffic, and congestion on roads between Needham Market and Mendlesham.

Overnight in the early hours of Friday, firefighters also tackled a large fire at Riverhills Spa and Health Club on Bramford Road, Ipswich.

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