Harleston church fire started in kitchen 'accidentally'
Firefighters were called to St. John's Church in Harleston on Wednesday (1st October)
Last updated 3rd Oct 2025
An investigation into a fire at St John's Church in Harleston has found it started accidentally in the kitchen.
Fire crews were called on Wednesday afternoon (1st October) and tackled the fire until the following morning.
Residents in the area were warned to keep their windows and doors closed.
A Norfolk fire and rescue spokesperson said, "Our thoughts are with the church community as they look to start to recover from the fire with the support of the town.
"Our thanks to everyone in the local area for their patience on Wednesday and Thursday while we dealt with the incident and carried out our investigation work.
"The fire involved Norfolk appliances from Harleston, Diss, Loddon, Carrow, Sprowston, Fakenham, Long Stratton, Gorleston and Hingham, alongside the aerial ladder platform from North Earlham and the Water Carrier from Hethersett.
"We were also joined by crews from Beccles and Lowestoft Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
"Many of these attended as part of our initial response, with the others providing relief support throughout the night ensuring we were also able to continue to respond to emergencies across the county.
"Thank you to all our crews who worked tirelessly to save the church building."