Norwich airport fire: Emergency workers race to tackle blaze in hangar roof

There are fears the fire could reach two passenger jets carrying 5,000 litres of aviation fuel

The fire broke out in one of the hangars on Liberator Road (Google Earth)

Fire crews have been called to Norwich International Airport to tackle a blaze which has broken out in an aircraft hangar.

Dozens of firefighters are trying to prevent the fire, which has spread to the roof of the hangar, from reaching two passenger aircraft inside carrying 5,000 litres of aviation fuel.

A spokesman for the airport said the blaze was not expected to affect the terminal or any of its services, but fire service incident commander Greg Preston said accessing the fire was proving "very difficult".

He said emergency plans were in place to remove the aircraft from the hangar if necessary, but the task was complicated by scaffolding surrounding the building.

Mr Preston told the Press Association it was expected to be a "protracted incident".

Mr Preston said: "We have currently got crews working at height using our aerial platform. We are removing the roof covering to extinguish the fire and to ascertain the extent of the fire spread.

"It's very difficult access given the height of the building. It's really difficult to access from the inside. It's going to be a protracted incident. As we strip away the roof we will be able to see the extent of the fire."

Eight fire crews, a water carrier, aerial ladder, control and welfare units are tackling the fire at the Air Livery hangar, located on Liberator Road, with a number of shops and other airport hangars nearby.

Fire officials were first alerted at 9.43am, but confirmed that there are no reports of any casualties. An ambulance is at the scene on standby.

Norwich Police have been notified of the incident. A spokesman confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

Additional reporting by agencies