A passer-by who raised the alarm to emergency services after fire erupted near Hellesdon Hospital, has said how plumes of smoke "poured out" from the abandoned building.

Crews from across the county were called to the blaze in Drayton High Road, Hellesdon at about 6.15pm on Sunday May 7. 

Firefighters tackled the blaze in a derelict building at Hellesdon Hospital.

Norwich Evening News: Crews from across the county were called to the blaze in Drayton High Road, Hellesdon at about 6.15pm on May 7Crews from across the county were called to the blaze in Drayton High Road, Hellesdon at about 6.15pm on May 7 (Image: Newsquest)

Lawrence Railton, who lives in Carter Road, was first on the scene and called the fire service upon noticing smoke coming from the building.

The 56-year-old said: "I was walking the dog around the field about 6pm on Sunday and I could smell burning.

READ MORE: Bungalow fire in North Street near Blofield Primary School

"I happened to look over at the building and noticed there was smoke coming from the general area so I wasn't sure if it was the building specifically.

Norwich Evening News: Lawrence Railton, 56, called the emergency services after seeing smoke appear from the abandoned building while walking his dogLawrence Railton, 56, called the emergency services after seeing smoke appear from the abandoned building while walking his dog (Image: Newsquest)

"However, once I got a bit closer there was so much smoke rolling out from one of the upstairs windows.

"While I was on the phone with the fire department, flames began to flicker out from the top floor window while black smoke was pouring out of the edges of some of the surrounding, boarded up, windows."

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said: "An aerial ladder platform and a water carrier were called in to tackle the blaze. 

Norwich Evening News: The abandoned building is located at the back of Hellesdon Hospital, opposite Drayton High RoadThe abandoned building is located at the back of Hellesdon Hospital, opposite Drayton High Road (Image: Newsquest)

"Nearby residents were being asked to keep windows and doors closed while firefighters attended the incident. 

"People were also being asked to avoid the area."

READ MORE: Crews battle city centre fire in Guildhall Hill, Norwich

Mr Railton added that if he'd turned up 20 minutes later "things could of really got out of hand.

Norwich Evening News: Mr Railton said one of the top floor windows of the derelict had fire spitting out from itMr Railton said one of the top floor windows of the derelict had fire spitting out from it (Image: Newsquest)

"I think the whole building would have gone up - it was a proper fire, not just some embers.

"I returned about 15 minutes after the fire service turned up to see how things had progressed and there was about half-a-dozen firemen still in the area."

Cath Byford, NSFT’s deputy chief executive, said: "There was some understandable short-term disruption to our teams, however this has now passed.

"Colleagues in our estates team are working to ensure that the building is secure and safe.

"We would like to express our gratitude to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk Constabulary who responded so well to the incident.”

She added: "Work continues today as usual, focused on looking after our patients and service users and providing high-quality, excellent care for those who need it.”