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FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their swift response to a huge blaze in Haverhill last week.
The fire, at the warehouse of Futon Design on the Hamlet Green Industrial Estate, was brought under control within 30 minutes and finally extinguished after four hours.
Futon Design Partner, Robert Dennes, said: "We are most grateful to Suffolk County Fire Service for their prompt attendance, as a result of which damage has been limited to a small part of our factory site."
Production Partner, Richard van Ewyk, said: "Although a large amount of raw material stock has been destroyed, I suspect we shall recommence the majority of our manufacture within the next few days.
"We have an excellent relationship with our suppliers and we have been able to place new orders for fabrics and stock even during the afternoon of the fire."
Divisional Officer Mark Sanderson of Suffolk Fire Service, said: "The hard work of local crews was outstanding.
"The initial action of the Haverhill crew and subsequent support crews prevented the fire from spreading from the the area of origin to damage other parts of the building."
Commenting on the initial findings of the fire investigation, Mr Sanderson said: "The belief is that it was started by an overheating electrical lighting unit which set fire to a pile of futon mattresses."
There are no suspicious circumstances at the moment but the investigation is still ongoing.

CAPTION: Cool under pressure … some of the firefighters involved in last week's incident.