Norwich library fire August 1st 1994

Norwich central Library caught fire on August 1st 1994. This required the attendance of 23 pumping fire appliances plus specialist support vehicles. Due to the rapid spread of the fire and construction of the building it was severely damaged and replaced with the forum. Many books are artefacts were salvaged by fire crews. The cause was an electrical fault on shelf lighting.

[@underneonloneliness2]

The old malthouse carpark in the background with that unique bomb sculpture on top. Shame they knocked it down. And can’t believe how many carpark spaces there were near the library. They shouldn’t build the new forum back a bit. Now we have less carpark spaces and even more cars on the road.

[@RossPatzelt]

I live in Norwich and remember this day. It was the day of the radio 1 roadshow in Yarmouth and I can remember seeing the smoke on the bus from miles away. Everyone went to see it and we could not believe it as so many people used the library every week. I used to love it there. To the right hand side of the entrance was the music department. Used to love that building.

[@teknoprisoners]

Insurance job. 100%. Yes. I usually sign off as No, as in Dr No. But yes, this was an in swer ants jobbee. No.

[@HarrysHappenings]

Correction, I am making a small video about the Forum in particular not the library, but the fire is very relevant.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

"How dare you and the rest of your barbarians set fire to my library? Play conqueror all you want, Mighty Caesar! Rape, murder, pillage thousands, millions of human beings! But neither you nor any other barbarian has the right to destroy one human thought!" - Cleopatra VII Philopator

[@Biffo1262]

Is that a C.L.A.S.P. structure? If so that would explain the manner and pattern of the fire AND the difficulty firefighting. If you have never been faced with a fire in this type of building you can be left scratching your head AND fleeing for your life.

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

I remember this happening

[@waynesmith2698]

Alot fire engines that day in attendence that day

[@RossPatzelt]

luckily the nearest fire station was literally across the road and the police station directly opposite too so a quick response time.

[@waynesmith2698]

i agree it was across the road that day. and they still had to pumps from across norfolk it.

[@HarrysHappenings]

Hi John, I am making a small video for my channel about the new Millennium library and wondered if I could use a little of this video? That is if you have it to share. Please let me know if you get to read this in the new few days. Thanks

[@johnlinden9106]

Hi Harry. Yes I should have this video file. What’s your email address please ?

[@HarrysHappenings]

@johnlinden9106 John I have edited and uploaded my little video, so I apologise as I didn't have space for your video. Please don't waste your time sending it and thank you for your kindness

[@tigger1662003]

Yermouth’s HP looks like she’s struggling for water.

[@daleleggett1215]

25 years today

[@soundseeker63]

This area had a run of bad luck in the mid 90s didn't it. Not long after this the Assembly House on the other side of the road caught fire too! Though I think they were able to save that one wherase of course this had to be levelled and rebuilt. And there was the fire that Gutted Roy's of Wroxham a few months later as well... strange times on reflection.

[@deedee-tc4fh]

BBC Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a gas explosion, triggered when the caretaker switched on the lights. ITV Norwich library on fire Credit: ITV News Anglia The fire was started by an electrical fault. HHmmmmm

[@rankoomusic1160]

Must be the new heating

[@danielhall6354]

it says in the video description it was caused by an electrical fault with the shelf lighting