Full Breakdown
Haverhill Firefighters Contain Blaze at Former Parkway Middle School
5/13/2026, 10:49:50 PM
Blaze Engulfs Former Parkway Middle School
On Tuesday, 12 May 2024, a fire erupted at the derelict former Parkway Middle School in Haverhill, Suffolk, at 20:20. The blaze spread rapidly, and by 22:13 the structure was reported to be 90 % consumed, with a partial collapse of the building.
Chronology of the Fire Response
- 20:20 – First emergency call received; fire crews dispatched.
- 20:20–21:35 – Nine fire crews from Woodbridge, Orford, Haverhill, Wickhambrook and Bury St Edmunds arrived.
- 21:35 – Three additional fire engines were sent.
- 22:13 – Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed partial collapse.
- 06:00 (13 May) – Service announced fire under control; four engines remained, three en route.
Scale of the Emergency
More than 60 emergency calls were logged after the black smoke plume became visible for miles. The initial response comprised nine fire crews, later reinforced by three extra fire engines, bringing the total to twelve engines on site at the peak of the incident.
Official Updates from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
The service issued a 22:13 update confirming that 90 % of the building was involved in the fire and that crews were making progress. A later 06:00 bulletin reported that the blaze was under control, with four engines still on scene and three additional units en route.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Resident Michelle Chambers posted on social media that she could not believe people gathered to watch the fire, warning of potential toxic smoke. The comment reflects community frustration with individuals who ignored official advice to stay away.
On-site Conditions
Witnesses described a massive black smoke plume rising above Haverhill and visible across the countryside. Authorities instructed residents to keep doors and windows shut and to avoid the immediate vicinity of the fire, yet some people approached the site.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The building has partially collapsed with 90% of it involved in the fire. Crews are making good progress on site.” — Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- “Firefighters have worked through the night to bring the fire under control. While there are still a number of fire engines at the scene of the former school, numbers are now down to 4 at the site, with 3 on their way over.” — Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- “I can't believe the amount of people who went to watch. All that potential toxic smoke.” — Michelle Chambers, social-media commenter
Implications for Community Safety
The incident highlights the difficulty of controlling large fires in abandoned buildings, the importance of coordinated multi-agency response, and the need for clear public warnings to limit exposure to hazardous smoke.
