A fire chief today praised firefighters after they battled to put out a fire in a historic town centre pub.
Dampen down - a fire engine at the Victoria pub blaze. (43550-5)
Flames ripped through the Victoria pub in Dovercourt early today.
The blaze, which started on the ground floor, caused serious internal damage to the three-storey pub, which may now have to be demolished.
The alarm was raised at 2.20am when flames were seen coming out of the roof and windows, which were also destroyed in the blaze.
Fire crews from Dovercourt and Manningtree were first on the scene.
Colchester sub-officer Brian Harper said: "The fire was well developed when we arrived and crews went in with breathing apparatus and jets.
"The building started to collapse and they were all withdrawn. We were forced to put out the fire using an aerial ladder.
"The initial crews were very brave to prevent it spreading down Victoria Street.
"If the fire had gone into the roof lines of the buildings, it would have spread and been a very serious situation.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, June 23, 2005
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