Eyewitnesses have told of their shock at seeing a former community centre burn to the ground, and their concerns over the spread of asbestos from the site.
The building in Rectory Lane, Worlingham, was destroyed in the early hours of Friday morning (March 17).
Crews from across north Suffolk were called to the village near Beccles at about 2.50am.
Neighbour Dave Crocker, who is ex-military, awoke to what he thought sounded like gunfire just outside his bedroom window.
He said: “I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of gunshots and crackling, I didn't know if I was in a dream having just woken up.
"I went out in my jimjams and the old community centre was up in flames, smoke everywhere.
"First thing I did was then call the services and check up on our neighbour as my wife and I were worried they may have been in some distress."
Mr Crocker and his wife Cherry have lived in the village for 20 years and share fond memories of the centre from when their son was growing up.
Mrs Crocker said: "It certainly wasn’t what we expected when we went to bed last night.
"I know the community centre had been abandoned for many years but it is a shame for it to end in this manner, our son used to have parties in that building and lots of great memories."
Mr Crocker said the building shut down in 2008.
He said: "The community centre was in use and then all of a sudden they closed it after finding asbestos, it was a major blow to the community.
“We are concerned about how the asbestos may have spread in the fire, but the services have been great and I’m confident they will have it under control."
East Suffolk Council said they were working with the fire service and a specialist contractor to clear "potentially hazardous material" from the incident site and the surrounding area.
The blaze comes after a caravan caught fire earlier in the same week in the village.
Rodger Thompson, 77, who has lived opposite the building for 16 years, said: “Our neighbour woke us first to see if we were okay.
"We went outside and saw the flames above the trees of the huge conifers, it was a devastating sight.
“The fire service were very quiet, had we not been awoken we may not have even known, I probably would have slept though."
Badger Building LTD owns the site and the neighbouring field, where plans have been approved to build 19 homes and a new community centre.
Rev Rich Henderson of Worlingham Church, which is situated behind the site of the burnt building, said: "It is devastating to see this, but hopefully this will speed up the demolition of this building.
"It hasn’t been used for many years and we await the development of the new community on the neighbouring site.
"We are grateful for the fantastic work of the services.”
One resident expressed anger at the fire, because his home is on the market and debris has fallen into his garden.
READ MORE: Builders rescue man from burning building
The council said the clearance works should take about two days.
It said: "Priority will be given to clearing the surrounding residential properties and the road.
"Once the work is complete, Rectory Lane will be reopened.
"Anyone who suspects they have any debris from the fire in their garden should contact East Suffolk Council on 03330 162000."
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